Taxi violence signals systemic failure, says Cape Chamber

The Cape Chamber of Commerce has condemned the growing violence in the taxi industry, calling for calm following a wave of deadly shootings in the Western Cape.

IOL previously reported that Transport Minister Barbara Creecy expressed serious concern over the government's ongoing failure to formalise the country's taxi industry and align it with what she called "normal competitive business practices".

"I am very concerned that we do seem to be failing to formalise the taxi industry and to ensure that this industry operates with what one could call normal competitive business practices,” Creecy said

This was amid escalating concerns about violence in the taxi sector. Two weeks ago, four people were killed at the Emfuleni taxi rank in the Western Cape when armed men opened fire.

According to reports, police believe the shooting may have been triggered by a dispute between the taxi associations CATA and CODETA, who are reportedly in conflict over control of a taxi route linking Mfuleni and Somerset West.

Derryn Brigg, Deputy President of the Cape Chamber said the organisation "condemns criminal elements wreaking havoc within the taxi industry at a time when closer collaboration is needed to stamp out violence within the sector".

"We offer our condolences to all those affected by the latest spate of attacks, particularly to those who lost loved ones," Brigg said.

"The Cape Chamber calls for cool heads to prevail as we negotiate the current violence plaguing the industry. As far as we understand, the vast majority of stakeholders have had enough of the violence and seek a future where violence no longer exists, and where people can work without fear".

He also mentioned the recent establishment of the Western Cape Taxi Cluster, a joint initiative between the Cape Chamber and SANTACO, as a significant step towards reform.

"Much work has gone into the formation of the Western Cape Taxi Cluster, a new umbrella organisation aimed at industry reform (a collaboration between Cape Chamber and SANTACO), We therefore appeal to all associations and their members to show restraint and resolve issues through constructive dialogue.

"Ongoing violence highlights systemic failure within a vital transport sector in urgent need of reform, and where commuter safety is paramount".

SANTACO National  spokesperson Mmatshikhidi Rebecca Phala told to IOL earlier this week that the organisation was intensifying its efforts to enhance safety within the industry.

"We are hard at work with our road safety initiatives, use of security services for our ranks, driver and marshal training, the introduction of automated fare collection systems and the restoration of other commuter safety initiatives. We draw inspiration in hearing the Minister continue to highlight the work that has to be undertaken alongside the department and other agencies and private partners," she said.

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mthobisi.nozulela@iol.co.za

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