SPEECH (NOTES) FOR KWAZULU-NATAL MEC FOR TRANSPORT, COMMUNITY SAFETY AND LIAISON MR. BHEKI CELE AT THE STANGER - MAPHUMULO IMBIZO, ON SUNDAY, 14 AUGUST 2005

All Protocol Observed.

In the interest of order, government strives to “defend the weak” by ensuring a safe, affordable and sustainable public transport system. In some cases, government has to act firmly and decisively in dealing with taxi conflicts so as to protect the lives of innocent people.

We know that the closing of ranks may be perceived as harsh and inconsiderate. However, the short term inconvenience to commuters should be seen as a long term preparation for a better life in the sense that if the conflict is sorted out, commuters will travel in a safe environment, where all relevant associations will have valid permits, and operate on legitimate routes.

The KZN Department of Transport is committed to full consultation and public participation with all relevant stakeholders to bring this conflict to an end, and to reach an amicable solution with the two affected associations.

However, as government we cannot let hundreds of people to continue dying in minibus taxis as a result of the poor conditions of vehicles, or lack of adequate training for drivers, and general disregard for human life. We cannot allow the killing of innocent people simply because various taxi associations can’t agree on which one should use which route.

There is no government that can just fold its hands when the welfare of innocent people is threatened such as with the Stanger-Maphumulo conflict. Since the start of this recent conflict, atleast12 people have died. There are better ways of solving problems, than blockades and shoot-outs. Violence is not a solution to any problem. There are existing channels to resolve problems within the taxi industry.

The Stanger-Maphumulo matter was referred to a special tribunal which took a decision, and despite the findings of this tribunal, the associations have continued to kill one another. In our endeavour to resolve taxi violence, the department has mechanisms in place such as mediations, arbitration through special tribunals, the registrar and so on. If all fails I have the right to look at others means of resolving the crisis, including closing ranks.

I have now thrown my full weight behind the decision by the Taxi Registrar to close down operations of the Stanger and Maphumulo Taxi Owners Associations in the province. The taxi Registrar informed both associations on (Saturday 06/08/2005) that their entire operations, short and long distances, have been suspended with effect from Monday 08/08/2005.

The Registrar informed the two associations that no vehicle affiliated to either association shall operate on any of their registered roads pending the outcome of a Special Tribunal which resumed proceedings on Wednesday 10/08/2005.

I have urged the associations to co-operate with the Special Tribunal to expedite the process, and jointly bring lasting peace, stability and normality.

This follows many efforts by my department to try 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 silent and helpless victims.

Extensive safety and law enforcement operations have been put in place in all areas around Stanger and Maphumulo. The Road Traffic Inspectorate, Public Transport Enforcement Unit 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 conduct will face the full might of the law.

The decision to close down all operations of the Stanger and Maphumulo Taxi Associations 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.

I thank you.

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