Parliament, Saturday, 11 April 2020 – The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Transport, Mr Mosebenzi Zwane, has called on the taxi leadership in the taxi industry to work with the government in enforcing COVID-19 directives.
Mr Zwane said it was concerning that a number of taxis from the Western Cape would continue to drive despite clear communication and guidance from the government for everyone to stay at home.
“The committee wishes to reiterate government’s call that people should stay at home. The need to travel around this time as is custom every Easter weekend is understandable, but not possible at this time. The priority for all sectors should be to flatten the curve of infections.”
Throngs of minibus taxis from Cape Town were caught in the Karoo town of Aberdeen. On Thursday, President Cyril Ramaphosa announced a two-week extension to the Lockdown.
Mr Zwane said saving people’s lives should be the priority no matter what urgent business exists in the Eastern Cape.
“The President reiterated the importance of staying at home, and results were evident as the country saw a decline in the number of positive tests than when the Lockdown began,” added Mr Zwane.
He said if compliance with the lockdown rules meant confiscating the permits that should be done for the duration of the lockdown period.
“Government has availed a relief fund for the taxi industry. This situation is only a temporary measure and leaders in the industry need to enhance government message. To beat COVID-19 infection rate people need to stay at home and restrict movement.”
ISSUED BY THE PARLIAMENTARY COMMUNICATION SERVICES ON BEHALF OF THE CHAIRPERSON OF THE PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORT, MR MOSEBENZI ZWANE.
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