MEC Mamabolo welcomes ceasefire agreement by ITA and EWTA
The Gauteng Taxi Industry today presented a Memorandum of Agreement reached between Internal Taxi Association (ITA) and Evaton West Taxi Association (EWTA).
In terms of the agreement, both associations agreed to a ceasefire, end conflicts, stop the damage of vehicles and ensure passengers are always safe in their vehicles and at taxi ranks.
The agreement follows the outbreak of violence over routes in the Sedibeng District Municipality.
Gauteng MEC for Public Transport and Roads Infrastructure Jacob Mamabolo commended the provincial taxi leadership for taking responsibility for the violence that has plagued the area for some time.
Mamabolo had served both associations with a letter of intent to summarily shut down their operations for six months following the violent clashes.
Following the signing of the agreement, Mamabolo has put on hold the closure of routes and taxi ranks operated by the two associations.
“The two associations will continue operating in the area for as long as they abide by an agreement they are signatories to. Any violation of the terms of the agreement will leave us with no choice but to shut down their operations without consulting them,” said Mamabolo.
The MEC added that any decision to shut down taxi operations was not taken lightly as this has a huge impact on the mobility of commuters, as this is their primary mode of transport.
“This, however, is not a licence for taxi operators to act with impunity, often endangering the lives of their customers. We will be monitoring their operations closely and will not hesitate to act when necessary”, added Mamabolo.
Source: Government of South Africa