SANTACO in Western Cape to embark on a stay away

After two days of meeting with taxi associations, the Western Cape South African Taxi Council has announced a ‘provincial stay away’ next week, forcing Commuters to use other forms of transport. 

 The stay away will start from next Wednesday, according to provincial chairperson of Santaco, Mandla Hermanus. 

SUPPLIED: SANTACO

 According to Hermanus, the reason behind this action includes: 

• Unfair impoundments of minibus taxis for minor traffic violations by drivers AND 
• The marginalization of the taxi industry in the issuing of operating licenses.

 He added that an additional reason for the stay away was due to the Western Cape Government (WCG) allowing Golden Arrow Busses to continue operating on the B97 route from Mbekweni to Paarl, despite the route being officially reopened to the taxi associations from 8 December.

“The City of Cape Town recently lifted a moratorium on metered taxi operating licenses, which will result in more than 2000 new operating licenses for e-hailing providers…On the other hand, there is going to be a five-year moratorium on minibus taxi operating licenses without first legalizing all current illegal operators,” says Hermanus.

Santaco has also urged its members not to engage in any violence or destruction for the duration of the stay away.  

Done by: Thaakiera Ackerdien