Minister Ramatlakane said, "The meeting has decided that the affected taxi ranks will remain closed."

Minister Skwatsha added that: "We are considering the suspension of all route permits to taxis and taxi associations, commuting to and from the affected areas (Bellville - Cape Gate mall). Taxi traveling on the routes towards the affected taxi ranks, are likely to be impounded.”

"We are calling on our commuters to bear with us and understand the inconvinience that will arise as a result of our decisions in finding a lasting solution to the taxi dispute. We call on our commuters who will be affected by this, to make alternative travelling arrangements." said Minister Skwatsha

Minister Ramatlakane added that "the consequences of us stepping as law enforcement, will be harsh to taxi operators, but we have no choice."

NB: Meanwhile, Minister Ramatlakane has also expressed his dissappointment at the DA and the United Democratic Movement who have alleged that there was a conflict of interests in the wake of the involvement of his brother in the taxi industry.

"In fact my brother was never an executive member of one of the taxi associations, as alleged by the DA and the UDM. He had been employed in the taxi industry.

"Secondly, with him persuing his own business interest should not at any stage suggest, that this could be the reason why there is an outbreak of taxi violence. This allegation is nothing but a cheap attempt to score political points by the DA and the UDM.

"The Role of the Minister for Community Safety is not to negotiate with rival taxi organisations but to enforce the law where it is possible, and this is what I will always continue to do.

"It is dissappointing by these political parties to shift focus of the public from our attempts to resolve the taxi dispute, to a possible connection of myself and my brother who in fact has the right pursue his own business interests."

Enquiries

Makhaya Mani
Media Liaison
Ministry of Community Safety
Western Cape
Tel: 021 483 3873
Cell: 082 780 4493