Statement by the MEC for Transport and Human Settlements Siboniso Duma following taxi blockades in Ulundi and Empangeni.
Inkosi Mhlabunzima Maphumulo House: Following the taxi blockade of road in Mayiwane, Ulundi yesterday morning by illegal taxi operators, a meeting has been scheduled with the South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO) and other role-players.
In particular, we appreciate the consistent and bold leadership displayed by SANTACO regarding the management of a dispute over the Nkonjeni Route and illegal taxi operations in the region.
The Head of the Department Siboniso Mbhele and the team have briefed me about this matter that dates back to more than two years.
The dapartment's interventions and enforcement of the law will be intensified to ensure stability.
Importantly, the meeting to be held on July 25th will not only ensure that a long-lasting solution is reached, but it will also mark the beginning of a new chapter for the benefit of local commuters who rely on public transport.
This morning, I was also informed by commuters in Empangeni about the blockade of R34 at Empangeni Mill. The road has since been re-opened following the intervention by law enforcement agencies and the department.
We express our appreciation to the law enforcement agencies and municipalities that are working closely with the department to ensure compliance with the laws and the by-laws.
The safety of commuters and the public at large is our priority.
In particular, as a department, we have a responsibility to protect the businesses of honest taxi operators from illegal taxi operators and other criminals who use the taxi industry to achieve their objectives.
Having assumed my new responsibilities in the department, we will have standing meetings with SANTACO.
This is an important stakeholder, as it represents more than 246 associations and 16 regions. Clearly, SANTACO is responsible for the socio-economic wellbeing of this province.
Across South Africa, statistics show that the number of people using taxi services each day is more than 15 million, with an annual turnover of more than R40 billion.
In addition, taxi operators spend more than R15 billion on fuel and more than R10 billion on vehicles. In addition, taxi operators spend more than R150 million buying tyres annually.
Flowing from above, we have a responsibility as the department to ensure the stability of the taxi industry as part of strengthening the public transport system and growing the provincial economy.