MBOMBELA – In a meeting held at the Government Complex yesterday, MEC for public works,roads and transport Ms Dumisile Nhlengethwa told taxi associations to work together or else face suspension of all taxi operations in and around the municipality.
This is after a taxi conflict that took place at Mbombela taxi rank yesterday morning wherein violence erupted and commuters were left stranded.
“You go back and work together in the Mbombela Taxi Rank or else I will suspend all taxi operations in the entire Mbombela area for 14 days.
This means that there will be no minibus taxis that will be allowed to operate in the entire municipality whilst I have suspended the operations.
“I will advise commuters to use other modes of transport in the meantime, if you do not co-operate and work together.
Government takes strong exceptions to unlawful acts and will not hesitate to take action to protect the rights of all citizens to move freely without intimidation.
The Provincial Government expresses utmost regret and unconditionally apologize to all road users and commuters for the inconvenience caused by the disruptions,” she said.
After the meeting, taxi operators committed to go back and work together whilst engagements are proceeding.
The meeting further resolved to open the Mbombela taxi rank after the temporary closure and all stakeholders are expected to work within the parameter of the law.
Government will assess stability within the Mbombela Taxi Rank for the next two days and take further decision whether to suspend taxi operations in the entire Mbombela area or maintain the status quo.
The MEC has appointed a task team to look at all issues relating to routes and operating licences.
The committee will start its work on April 1 and table a report by the end of June 2015 to MEC Nhlengethwa.
The Taxi rank management committee will continue with its operations of day to day management of the taxi rank. No illegal operation will be allowed to operate outside the Mbombela Taxi Rank.
The MEC and the Executive Mayor said that they are open to any dialogue with the taxi associations through the Mpumalanga Taxi Council.
