Cape Town - The operating licences of 26 taxis aligned to Uncedo George Taxi Association face possible cancellation, the provincial transport department said.
The Western Cape Provincial Regulatory Entity will hold a second round of hearings to consider the possible cancellation, following violent protests in George, almost two weeks ago.
Roads were barricaded, buses set alight and nine suspects arrested, who will appear in court on Monday on charges of public violence and damage to property.
Following a postponement last week, the George municipality on Sunday added 35 minibuses to the Go George service.
Chantel Edwards-Klose, spokesperson for the George municipality, said this move meant the Go George operation would be able to provide a better service for up to 11 000 passengers for the area.
She said although bus services resumed without glitches or interruptions, two routes were not operating due to concerns about the safety of passengers and staff until it was clear that the situation had improved.
Edwards-Klose said the public had been invited to send photographs and videos taken during the recent protest action that might be useful in prosecuting the perpetrators.
The conflict arose after taxi operators claimed that the compensation given to them in 2013 for handing over their operating licences was too low.
The service was suspended for three days after four buses were set alight.
Byron la Hoe, spokesperson for the provincial department of Transport and Public Works, said various government agencies were engaged in investigations into the violence and traffic disruption, using CCTV footage and other evidence.
He confirmed that members of the public had been requested to submit videos and photographs of the protest to help identify suspects.
“Any form of violence is strongly condemned, and compliance with legal prescripts and operating-licence conditions is not negotiable,” said La Hoe.
“Operators who are found guilty of inciting violence or wilfully damaging property run the risk of having their operating licences cancelled.
“Registered operators who are not considered fit and proper to provide public-transport services run the risk of having their registration certificates cancelled,” he further said, adding that a hearing would be held soon to determine whether to revoke the licences or not.
George United Taxi Drivers spokesperson Cornelius Esau said the impounding and possible cancellation of the taxi licences would not stop the taxi industry from wanting the transport department to review negotiations about the implementation of the Go George bus service.
“They will not stop us. This is harassment. We are quite saddened by the transport department’s actions.
“There have been no meetings with us to find a solution on this matter.
“We have heard from media reports that a task team was formed, but how come they form a task team without us being represented?” said Esau.
“The implementation of Go George buses was not in the best interest of the taxi industry.
“When we disagree with them, they threaten us. We are in the process of getting the national Transport minister to intervene.”
Cape Times