MEC Kedibone Diale-Tlabela and the Gauteng Taxi Industry met last week Thursday evening to sort out a problem with taxi services in Ekurhuleni. MEC Diale-Tlabela strongly criticized some taxi operators who allegedly threatened and hurt passengers on Wednesday afternoon.
As a result, four members of the Taxi Associations got arrested and charged for hurting people and damaging things. Ten cars belonging to the suspects were taken away. “We won’t tolerate lawlessness in our public transport. Passengers should feel safe to choose any transport they want without being scared. The arrest of those responsible should show others they can’t just do whatever they want in our province. I strongly condemn the violence linked to the taxi industry,” said the MEC.
The MEC also mentioned that the 6th administration has, for the first time, asked the taxi industry to join in the changes happening in bus operations under new contracts. “The taxi industry, which has been disadvantaged before and isn’t subsidized like other industries, and is the only black-owned industry in South Africa, should avoid conflicts and disruptions to move forward with development and change,” Diale-Tlabela added.
Now, taxi services are back to normal.
