Taxi bosses have changed their minds about keeping their taxis home after meeting Premier Alan Winde today 21 February. Taxi associations had threatened to keep their taxis at home on Wednesday 22 February over grievances which they said were being ignored.
Santaco deputy chairperson Nceba Enge said they had reached an agreement after a meeting this afternoon.
“We have decided to call off the stay away after meeting the Premier, Mayor and the MEC. The MEC has shown some commitment towards our grievances so we will have to call off the stay way that was set for Wednesday. We will see how things will go as the MEC has shown some commitment,” said Enge.
Premier Winde thanked the leadership of SANTACO for agreeing to today’s meeting. “We need to find a way forward together to reach a sustainable solution to the grievances raised by the council. We must all ensure our residents come first and that they can move around safely and reliably,” said Winde.
Newly appointed MEC Ricardo Mckenzie said they will find a way forward. “The commitments made in today’s engagement indicate a show of good faith from all sides. Through the Task Team, we will work together to address the challenges faced by the minibus taxi industry and ensure people can travel safely this week,” he said.
Taxi associations said their vehicles are being impounded for not having operating licences. Enge argues that yet responsible officials are failing to issue them with licences.