The KwaZulu–Natal Department of Transport has welcomed the decision taken by the taxi industry not to participate in a proposed national shutdown.
The taxi industry in the province has distanced itself from a proposed shutdown, which would have a further negative economical impact on our province and country as a whole.
The South African National Taxi Council (Santaco), which is the main body representing the taxi industry in the country, has announced that taxis will be operating normally in the province tomorrow (Friday, 10 June 2022).
Instead, the taxi industry has agreed on an urgent engagement with government to find mitigative measures, which will assist to reduce the impact of the ongoing petrol hikes on their transport operations.
The meeting with government is confirmed for tomorrow.
Reacting to the SANTACO’s decision the MEC for Transport, Community Safety, and Liaison, Ms. Neliswa Peggy Nkonyeni said: “We welcome and commend the decision taken by Santaco not to participate in the shutdown. Such a shutdown would have had undesirable implications in the province that is recovering from COVID-19, July unrests, and the recent floods that have been experienced in the province. Any mass action that will disrupt the economy will further harm our recovery efforts. As government we have agreed to meet with Santaco to discuss the impact of the petrol price hike and to look at possible interventions. All businesses will be open and public transport will be available. We will however monitor the situation very closely.”
The province has, however, placed the security cluster on high alert for any possible disruptions.