Violence and intimidation among taxi associations operating between Johannesburg and KwaZulu-Natal will not be tolerated, Transport Minister Sibusiso Ndebele said on Wednesday.
“While government remains committed to addressing the concerns of the taxi industry, violence and intimidation as a means of highlighting grievances is unacceptable and will not be tolerated, especially at a time when government is engaged in constructive discussions with industry leaders,” Ndebele said in a statement.
“While we are seeking lasting solutions with the industry, the right of citizens to have access to fast, reliable and safe public transport will remain paramount.”
Ndebele was asked by rival taxi associations operating from the Wanderers Street taxi rank in Johannesburg to intervene after a feud over the route erupted in violence over the weekend.
Members of a taxi association not allowed to use that route allegedly assaulted drivers and pulled passengers out of their taxis at the Wanderers rank.
Ndebele said both the national and Gauteng transport departments would try to resolve taxi feuds. – Sapa
