Talks between taxi bosses and local government collapse – strike continues
Killing of two taxi drivers in Germiston not linked to strike says MEC.
Update: Taxis will run on Friday says Santaco despite announcement that talks with COE and MEC had collapsed
The taxi strike is set to continue on Friday, March 8.
The City of Ekurhuleni announced on the evening of March 7 that the strike is set to continue on March 8 following the collapse of talks between various taxi associations, the Gauteng Provincial Government and the local authority.
“The talks got underway this morning at the OR Tambo Government Precinct in Ekurhuleni after many commuters were stranded after the taxi industry went on strike in protest over a contract awarded to a private bus company to transport local communities,” says COE spokesperson Zweli Dlamini.
Also read: Moody’s downgrades City of Ekurhuleni
“Feeling aggrieved, the taxi operators took to the streets of Germiston, Thembisa, Vosloorus and other parts of the city to stop residents from boarding leaving many school children and commuters stranded.”
Gauteng MEC for Roads and Transport Kedibone Diale and Ekurhuleni MMC Andile Mngwevu convened a meeting with the taxi operators.
“However, there was a deadlock just hours into the meeting when the taxi industry demanded the immediate release of four of their counterparts who were arrested for various offences and the release of the seven vehicles which are also impounded by the state,” said Dlamini. Mngwevu called on people to make alternative transport arrangements.
Diale also told the media that Ekurhuleni taxi owners have informed the department that the killing of two taxi drivers in Germiston earlier today was not linked to the strike.
“Police are looking for the suspects after two people were shot and killed in Germiston this morning,” said Gauteng SAPS police spokesperson Mavela Masondo.
“It is reported that the victims were inside the car when they were shot. The motive of the killing cannot be confirmed at this stage, although it is suspected to be related to taxi violence as both deceased are set to be members of the local taxi association.”
Gauteng Transport MEC Kedibone Diale-Tlabela has apologised to taxi commuters for delays as a result of a taxi strike in Ekurhuleni. Diale-Tlabela says there's a possibility that there won't be taxi transport on Friday. @sholwana_z has more.
Watch: https://t.co/zLNgaa8pI7 pic.twitter.com/Z0MWIBQjWG
— Newzroom Afrika (@Newzroom405) March 7, 2024
