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The IFP calls on the MEC of Transport, Willies Mchunu to urgently call an imbizo
aimed at addressing the taxi violence which has claimed many lives at
KwaMaphumulo in the Ilembe District.

"Urgent action is needed to address this violence. We don't want to see people
killing each other in KZN because of business interests or any other reason.
There are a few trigger-happy and stubborn elements which are responsible for
the instability in the taxi industry and these individuals must be isolated. We
must be able to differentiate between "chance-takers" so called "izinkabi or
hitmen"

and those who are earning a legitimate living," said IFP leader in the KZN
Legislature, Mr Blessed Gwala, MPL.

"The issue of killing of taxi operators and owners, lawlessness in the taxi
industry, conflict over routes and power struggles over the control of
associations needs to be eradicated. This cannot continue unaddressed,"
continued Mr Gwala.

"We think it is high time for the MEC of Transport who is also the MEC for
Community Safety to look for extraordinary measures to address the problems
facing the associations in the taxi industry. He must ensure that he stabilises
the taxi industry in the best interests of commuters and the people of
KwaZulu-Natal Province," concluded Mr Gwala.

The IFP calls for the establishment of a joint task team to tackle the specific
concerns in the taxi industry.

Issued by IFP