Strike action will CONTINUE in Western Cape

THE WESTERN CAPE E-HAILING ASSOCIATION HAS SINCE JOINED THE STAY AWAY ACTION

“It is with great disappointment that we must announce that the talks between the government and the Santaco leadership, which took place in an attempt to resolve the cause for the taxi stayaway, was suspended.

“However, we are open to talks with the government to find a speedy resolution to this issue, and we call on all our operators not to interfere with other modes of transport and not take part in any criminal activities.”

said Santaco’s leadership in a statement.

In a joint statement, the City of Cape Town and Western Cape government said on Sunday evening, after urgent engagements throughout the weekend, the Western Cape Government and the City of Cape Town are deeply concerned that the South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO) has resolved to continue its ongoing strike and not return to the Minibus Taxi Task Team.

SANTACO CONFIRMED THAT THE STAY AWAY STRIKE IS IN PLACE UNTIL WEDNESDAY

The withdrawal of taxi services since Thursday has had a devastating impact across Cape Town and the province.

ALSO READ: Taxi Strike: Nearly 300 000 learners stay at home
 
“It is with great disappointment that we note that the statement issued by SANTACO contains terms and amendments that were neither tabled nor agreed upon during extensive talks yesterday between the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Urban Mobility, Councillor Rob Quintas, Western Cape Minister of Mobility, Ricardo Mackenzie, National Minister of Transport, Sindisiwe Chikunga, and the leadership of SANTACO. 
 
“Alongside the City of Cape Town, we put forward a proposal on Friday to alleviate the impact of impoundments on taxi operators while we resolve the complex challenges around operating licences and other issues.

“Unfortunately, SANTACO’s additional demands are not legally implementable and would require longer-term engagements with the national government and other role players. At this point, we are left with very few options if SANTACO will not return to the table and resume the joint work of our Minibus Taxi Task Team,”

said MEC Ricardo Mackenzie.

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THE STRIKE HAS HAD A DEVASTATING IMPACT ACROSS THE PROVINCE

He added that it is further disappointing that the Western Cape E-hailing Association (WCEA) has since joined the minibus-taxi stay-away and is demanding an unconditional moratorium on all further impoundments.

“This is an additional blow to commuters who would have made use of e-hailing services in the absence of minibus-taxis.”

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“We attempted to engage in a spirit of genuine good faith to address the concerns of the industry in a practical and constructive manner. The proposed measures of compromise sought to strike a balance between enforcing traffic regulations and ensuring the smooth operation of the public transportation system, which is vital for the mobility and livelihoods of countless residents.
 
‘The City remains committed to finding a mutually acceptable solution that serves the interests of our residents, the minibus taxi industry, and the overall well-being of our city. We call upon SANTACO’s leadership to uphold the principles of transparency, integrity, and respectful engagement as we collectively strive to bring an end to the current impasse,”

councluded Councillor Rob Quintas.

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The Western Cape Education Department said a total of 287 420 learners have been kept from school. This includes learners who depend on public transport as well as learners who use private vehicles but are kept at home as parents fear for their safety.