Vadi condemns Mall of Africa shooting
MIDRAND – MEC condemns shooting at Mall of Africa and calls for peace.
Gauteng MEC for Roads and Transport, Ismail Vadi, has condemned in the strongest possible terms the shooting of two taxi drivers at the Mall of Africa on 3 July.
Vadi expressed his sincerest condolences to the families, friends and loved ones of the victims killed in this criminal act of violence.
He said, “We are deeply disappointed that the shootings occurred just a few days after the Gauteng Provincial Government held a successful Taxi Indaba where issues relating to the taxi industry and taxi violence were discussed. Government has appointed four senior religious leaders of the South African Council of Churches in an effort to broker an agreement between the Alexandra Taxi Association and Alexandra Randburg Midrand and Sandton Taxi Associations (Armsta) in an effort to prevent further violence.
“We urge the interested parties to continue with efforts to resolve disputes peacefully. Government will not be deterred by dark and hidden forces using violence to derail efforts aimed at the restoration of peace and good relationships between the two associations.”
Meanwhile, Vadi commended South African National Taxi Council (Santaco) Gauteng for suspending its strike action, which was set to take place on 7 July. “We commend the responsible leadership displayed by Santaco Gauteng. Their decision to call off the planned strike after discussions with the Premier shows commitment to resolving their concerns in a constructive manner. We are confident that the concerns of the industry will be addressed fully at the Taxi Summit set to take place later this month,” Vadi said.
Furthermore, following the discussions at the Taxi Indaba, the Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport will embark on a Minibus Taxi Operating Licensing Outreach Programme at various licensing offices in each region. The outreach programme is aimed at dealing with issues relating to the fast-tracking of outstanding licensing applications that meet compliance requirements.
The licensing offices to be visited are as follows:
- West Rand: Cnr 6th and Park Street, Randfontein; 11 to12 July at 9am.
- Sedibeng Region: Emfuleni City Hall; 13 to 14 July at 9am.
- Ekurhuleni Germiston: TOLAB No. 1 Hardach Street; 19 to 20 July at 9am.
- Tshwane: 345 Eski’a Mphahlele and Johannes Ramokhoase streets; 21 to 22 July at 9am.
- Johannesburg: Derek Masoek, No. 37 Village Road, Cnr Loveday Road; 25 to 26 July at 9am.
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