South African National Taxi Council Dares – Suspends Services
By Daily Tab24
Category: News
Published: Aug, 4, 2023
Time: 12:15
After a long battle with Cape Town law enforcement officers, the National Taxi Council led by Mandla Hermanus declared six days strike – aimed to stop police brutality of drivers. The move has been criticized by residents who felt the announcement was devoid of the interest of the people.
Speaking to a resident, Daily Tab24 gathered a mixed reaction. “We are not in support of whatsoever they are going through in the hands of the law enforcement officers. We want law and order, but waking up and cutting off transportation will be unbearable to the common man. We are not part of the problem, we should not suffer it. They should find another way to protest”
Earlier; the organization had gathered at Desmond Tutu Community Hall in Makhaza, Khayelitsha, to deliberate and take decision on their next action to curb the menace in the hands of law enforcement officers. They had severally issued complaints and said to have met relevant authorities to address the issue, but their efforts failed woefully.
The gathering which had all the eight regions’ leadership was to take a hard position, and end the issue for good. The meeting was due after the ‘latest’ clash with law enforcement officers.
“Cars are impounded for frivolous things, such as a driver smoking while driving alone in the van” The Council leader noted. Law Enforcement officers view smoking while driving as multi-tasking, but there is no stipulated law that prohibits such. The Taxi Council leader further complained that the law enforcement officers have relied on taking advantage of frivolous things to extort drivers.
“Another reason is having the elbow out or cracked number plates” he continued “We will keep protesting until the city stops impounding for no reasons”
Hermanus was quick to note that they are prepared for elongated action until there is a promise and practical end to the “Frivolous” targeting of drivers – while banking on his power to withdraw all taxis in town from the roads, including ranked taxis.
He further indicated there was nothing anybody could do to stop the intended action, while slightly taking into consideration major events that could be affected by the strike.
“There will (be) the final for the Netball World Cup, and we know there will be a big event in Khayelitsha, where President Cyril Ramaphosa will visit” He noted, indicating the Netball event was a key factor they tend to use to get the attention they want.
“What would it take him to speak to the City officials if the strike doesn’t affect him?” he continued “We must have the stay-away until August 10th “ driven by a perceived negligence of their plight by the government, the Council appears ready to go the extreme to ensure their concerns were addressed.
Six days strike might not be enough to convince the government to speak to the City to end police brutality against drivers, the Council leader is aware “We have to agree that there will be other strikes” He said, pointing out their doggedness and readiness to put an end to the matter.
“But members must expect that we might meet the leaders and then decide on the day of the strike” he said.
The announcement didn’t go well with residents whose businesses and lively hood were affected and the law enforcement officers have taken advantage of the public disapproval of their action to remain unchanged.
Immediately after the announcement was made, a MyCiTi bus was vandalized in Khayelitsha, marking the beginning of what is likely to be a weeklong occurrence. It is a complicated matter and law enforcement officers will be tasked with maintaining order and protecting properties as the strike is lawful.