Taxi association defends and protects businesses

Businesses are still feeling the after-effects of the protest and looting.
Many shopping centres and malls had empty shelves as businesses were in the process of rebuilding last week.
Greater Germiston Taxi Association has taken a stance and said they were available to protect businesses in Germiston.
The taxi association teamed up with the Germiston SAPS to conduct patrols in the Germiston CBD.
The shopping centre opposite the taxi rank was looted but Golden Walk was luckily spared, as they closed the mall before protesters could attack.
Khulekani Nkosi, the chairperson of the Greater Germiston Taxi Association, said taxi owners took it upon themselves to approach the police and requested to work with them in protecting CBD businesses.
“As the taxi industry, we saw it fit to protect and defend the businesses because of the effects it will have on everyone and even our businesses. Our commuters work at these businesses. If the workers lose jobs because their business has been looted, that means no business for us as we will have no commuters. We want to protect people’s jobs,” said Nkosi.
He said the protest and looting have had a ripple effect on businesses.
“Our industry was affected because our loads decreased as shops owners were scared to open their doors. Workers did not go to work and shoppers also did not have a reason to travel,” said Nkosi.
Germiston SAPS station commander Adelaide Lembe said she was impressed when the taxi association approached the police to assist in protecting and patrolling businesses in the CBD.
“It has been an amazing initiative and has opened the opportunity to work with taxi owners to ensure the safety of the community,” said Lembe.
She said the patrols and visibility have been beneficial.
“With the presence of SAPS and the association members, we have ensured Golden Walk can reopen and is protected. If we receive any tips of potential looting, we attend to them and make sure we patrol the hot spots,” said Lembe.
“Taxi drivers work in the community and get to see things first in most cases, especially during the protest. They have been our eyes and ears. If they see any suspicious activity they can hold suspects and call SAPS to attend to the problem.”
“With the relationship we have, we now know what to do and where to go if something suspicious happens at the taxi rank,” said Nkosi.
Gauteng Youth Crime Prevention Desk chairperson Ntuthuzelo Mpambani said he is pleased with how the association has taken a stand and even allowed the youth to be part of the initiative to keep the businesses safe.
“Manpower is required and the youth in the area have taken the stand to join the taxi association and patrol with them,” said Mpambani.
He said youth unemployment is high and protecting the jobs that are there is important.
“The youth understands the struggles of unemployment and they want to protect the businesses,” said Mpambani.