MEDIA STATEMENT

MR B. H. CELE SUPPORTS THE NOTICE OF SUSPENSION ISSUED BY TAXI REGISTRAR TO CLOSE DOWN OPERATIONS OF THE STANGER AND MAPHUMULO TAXI OWNERS ASSOCIATIONS

KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Transport, Community Safety and Liaison, Mr B H Cele has thrown his full weight behind the decision by the Taxi Registrar to close down operations of the Stanger and Maphumulo Taxi Owners Associations in the province with effect from 12 Midnight.

The Registrar informed both associations on Saturday 06/08/2005 that their entire operations, short and long distance, have been suspended with effect from Monday 08/08/2005. He informed them that no vehicle affiliated to either association shall operate on any of their registered roads pending the outcome of a Special Tribunal which will resume proceedings on Wednesday 10/08/2005.

Requirements of condition 8 of the board will also kick in immediately on the 08/05/2005.

Cele has requested the associations to co-operate with the Special Tribunal as from Wednesday 10/08/2005 to expedite the process and jointly bring lasting peace.

This follows many efforts by the department in trying to resolve the ongoing violence which has lasted for more than fifteen years, killing many innocent owners, drivers and passengers.

'It is my prerogative as the MEC to ensure maximum safety of passengers who are often the silent majority and major victims. In July alone, more that ten lives were lost over this conflict,' Cele said.

Extensive safety operations have been put in place in all areas around Stanger and Maphumulo. The RTI, PTEU and the SAPS will be working together to ensure the safety of commuters.

'We have organized alternative transport in the form of buses which will be escorted at all times. Any persons found to be engaging in acts of violence, intimidation and life threatening situation will face the full might of the law,' he said.

'The decision to close down all operations of Stanger and the Maphumulo comes as a last resort. However I urge all the affected parties to co-operate in order to find an amicable solution and end this problem,' he concluded.
 

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