Transport MEC Robin Carlisle and the SA National Taxi Council have failed to resolve differences and a strike by 12 000 taxi operators is set to start on Monday.
South African National Taxi Council (Santaco) provincial spokesman Mvuyisile Mente said taxi operators were angry about issues such as the impounding of taxis and delays in issuing operators permits.
He said Santaco had met Carlisle on Wednesday and another meeting was planned for Friday. And while a task team that included transport and public works officials and Santaco was formed to address the council’s complaints, Santaco’s members were ready to strike on Monday.
“The strike is still on. The MEC must consult with his department and the city. We need action, for example, on the relaxation of impoundment of vehicles. Some vehicles are impounded for being on the wrong route, but they are actually not loading passengers and are simply heading back to base,” Mente said.
In a joint statement, Carlisle and his city counterpart Elizabeth Thompson said:
“We have urged Santaco to call off the planned strike. It will do nothing to create the peaceful, well-regulated and prosperous taxi industry we all seek and may compel the provincial government to reconsider the nature of its support for the taxi council. A team of officials from the city and province will meet tomorrow (Friday) to finalise and inform the public about alternative plans to mitigate the impact of the strike.
“The stated aims of the strike in no way reflect the realities on the ground in terms of either BRT (Bus Rapid Transport) or impoundments.
“The city and the province worked closely and in good faith with the industry. What has been disappointing is that Santaco met the province three weeks ago to express their concerns about impounds and related matters. We collectively agreed to the establishment of a joint task team to tackle the specific concerns.”
Said Mente: “We have been talking to the MEC for a long time and nothing has happened. The strike is definitely on. From midnight on Sunday, there will be no taxis on the roads.
“What we are also doing now is consulting drivers at Metrorail and Golden Arrow Bus Services to join the strike.” - Cape Times