Parliament, Wednesday, 20 October 2021 – The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Transport, Mr Mosebenzi Zwane, has welcomed the intervention by the Gauteng’s MEC for Transport, Mr Jacob Mmamabolo, in the feud between Gauteng’s taxi associations.
Mr Zwane said the importance and centrality of the taxi industry in the ferrying of the poor and the majority of South Africans to and from economic centres calls for such an intervention.
“The committee condemns any form of violence targeted at role-players in the industry. This is the only industry black South Africans can claim as their own. The violence that we saw on the weekend shocked everyone and is hindrance to government efforts to improve the industry,” said Mr Zwane.
“The committee appreciates the manner in which the associations are handling the matter and when required they are able to call on their members. That is a sign of maturity which is so required in the industry.”
On Wednesday, MEC Mamabolo met with taxi associations in Gauteng in an attempt to quell the violence that saw a number of minibus taxis burnt on the weekend, and some operations suspended. Mr Zwane said the taxi industry should meet government half way in an attempt to better the regulatory conditions in the industry.
He said at the centre of an efficient service should be the passengers and the benefit to the owner and the driver. “It is important that the industry defines its role within the objectives of government of an affordable, reliable, and safe public transport. The committee has trust in the entire leadership of the taxi industry when it comes to resolving conflict,” added Mr Zwane.
ISSUED BY THE PARLIAMENTARY COMMUNICATION SERVICES ON BEHALF OF THE CHAIRPERSON OF THE PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORT, MR MOSEBENZI ZWANE.
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