Gauteng MEC for Public Transport and Roads Infrastructure Jacob Mamabolo has mediated between Germiston and Alberton taxi associations on Wednesday. His intervention led the Greater Alberton Taxi Association (GATA) and the Greater Germiston Taxi Association (GGTA) to commit themselves to restoring peace and order. The two organisations had been engaged in violent clashes.
This follows weeks of unrest that was triggered by intimidation of female operators. This comes after it emerged that minibuses owned by widows were being barred from operating along the Thokoza and Germiston route. This confrontation between the two organisations resulted in a huge inconvenience to commuters in the City of Ekurhuleni.
“I had meetings with GATA and GGTA to meditate and find a solution to the dispute which was starting to have an impact on commuters in Ekurhuleni. I decided to do a fact-finding exercise at the taxi rank where the confrontations were actually taking place,” Mamabolo said.
Mamabolo has laid down an ultimatum for the two associations, demanding that they come up with a written agreement committing to end the confrontations.
“I have asked that their agreement should include a clause that reaffirms and confirms gender equality and that it should clearly state that discrimination of widows is not allowed and that women will be respected and protected. Peace in the taxi industry is important as it will assist us in building a province of smart mobility.” Mamabolo said.
He however cautioned the two associations that he will not hesitate taking drastic measures that may include the closure of the taxi ranks. He further said that he will place both their executive committees under administration if they fail to submit the agreement to him this coming Monday.
