Gauteng’s MEC for Transport and Logistics, Kedibone Diale-Tlabela, plans to put special actions in place to tackle the ongoing conflict between the Witwatersrand African Taxi Association (WATA) and the Nancefield Dube West Taxi Association (Nanduwe). This includes shutting down disputed routes and taxi ranks due to recent violent incidents.
The tension between WATA and Nanduwe started earlier this month when they couldn’t agree on operating routes from Dube to Jeppe Station Rank, Makhetha Garage (Phefeni) Taxi to Jeppe Station Taxi Rank, and Uncle Toms Hall Taxi Rank to Jeppe Station, leading to deadly violence.
During a meeting in Orlando West, Soweto, the MEC discussed plans to use section 91 of the National Land Transport Act to take action. This allows her to close disputed routes and ranks.
“Our priority is the safety of commuters and taxi operators,” said Diale-Tlabela. The government plans to adjust contested routes and licenses to resolve the issue. This is a new approach to the long-standing conflict.
“We’re also working with other government bodies to address expired operating licenses,” Diale-Tlabela added. Police presence has been increased to prevent further violence as negotiations with WATA and Nanduwe through the Gauteng National Taxi Alliance continue.
“We appreciate the leadership of the Gauteng taxi industry as we deal with this challenge,” said the MEC, emphasizing the industry’s importance to Gauteng’s economy.
The provincial government is committed to modernizing and formalizing the taxi industry, including through the taxi fund which supports empowerment initiatives.
