Gatvol taxi drivers: We want Ramaphosa now!

Share current article via FacebookShare current article via PinterestShare current article via WhatsAppShare current article via TwitterShare current article via LinkedInNewsGatvol taxi drivers: We want Ramaphosa now!By: Joseph Mokoaledi • 3h agomedia24Add as a preferred source on GoogleFollow on Google NewsListen to this article-00:00lead-art-block.fullscreen-enterExpandTaxi operators downed tools in Phuthaditjhaba, Free State, bringing public transport to a standstill as they demanded an urgent meeting with President Cyril Ramaphosa over their permit dispute. Photo by Joseph Mokoaledi Taxi shutdown leaves commuters strandedTAXI operators in Phuthaditjhaba, Free State, downed tools on Friday, 9 October, demanding an urgent meeting with President Cyril Ramaphosa.

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This comes after national traffic officers impounded several taxis for allegedly operating without valid permits.

The shutdown brought public transport in the area to a standstill, leaving commuters and pupils stranded as they struggled to find alternative transport to work and school.

The operators want Ramaphosa to intervene in their ongoing permit dispute with the Department of Community Safety, Roads and Transport in the province.

Ramaphosa visited the area to address investors and community members at Phuthaditjhaba Stadium on Friday, 9 October.

Taxi driver Tshepo Mokoena said operators had been waiting for the department to issue their operating permits, but the delays had put them in conflict with national traffic officers.

“We’ve been waiting for the Department of Community Safety, Roads and Transport to issue our operating permits, but the delays have left us in conflict with national traffic officers, who have impounded our taxis for operating without valid documentation.

“We have been left with no choice but to appeal to President Cyril Ramaphosa to listen to our grievances and intervene. What has angered us even more is that operators who are allegedly operating illegally have been given priority over those of us who have been waiting for our permits,” said Mokoena.

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But commuters were furious, saying they were bearing the brunt of a dispute between taxi operators and the authorities.

They accused the drivers of failing to consider the plight of ordinary people who depend on taxis to earn a living and get their children to school.

Commuter Thandi Mofokeng said the sudden shutdown had disrupted residents’ daily lives.

“We are disappointed and frustrated by the taxi drivers’ decision to embark on an immediate strike without considering the struggles of ordinary commuters.

“Many of us depend on taxis to get to work and earn a living, while our children rely on them to get to school on time.

“We understand that taxi operators may have grievances with the authorities over permits, but it’s unfair to punish innocent commuters and learners who have nothing to do with the dispute. We urge the taxi industry and the government to find an urgent solution because ordinary people are the ones suffering the most,” she said.

Another commuter, Mariki Mokoena, criticised national traffic officers for impounding the taxis, saying the operation had left workers and pupils struggling to reach their destinations.

“National traffic officers should have considered the impact of their actions on ordinary people before impounding so many taxis. Their actions have caused unnecessary havoc in our community.

“We understand that the law must be followed, but authorities should find a way to resolve the permit issues without leaving innocent commuters to suffer. We are the ones paying the price for a dispute that is beyond our control,” he said.

QwaQwa United Taxi Association (Qwauta) secretary Lekama Buthelezi said the association would address the media after its expected meeting with Ramaphosa.

He said operators wanted to discuss taxi industry challenges, particularly permit delays that led to impoundments and disrupted public transport.

“Our position remains unchanged. We are maintaining a total shutdown until further notice.

“We will not make any further comments at this stage, as we are expected to meet President Cyril Ramaphosa to discuss the challenges affecting the taxi industry.

“We understand the difficulties this shutdown has caused commuters and learners, but we believe it’s important for our concerns to be heard and addressed,” said Buthelezi.

The shutdown left commuters and pupils caught in the middle as taxi operators stood firm on their demand for presidential intervention.

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