Issued by: Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism
DR DAWIE DE VILLIERS, MINISTER OF TOURISM, CONDEMNS TAXI BLOCKADE OF MAIN SUPPLY ROUTES TO JOHANNESBURG INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT.
Dr Dawie de Villiers, Minister of Tourism, today said that he strongly disapproves of the taxi blockade of the main supply routes to the Johannesburg International Airport this morning. He referred to this incident as irresponsible behaviour by groups who want to further their own interests at the expense of the public. He also expressed his concern about the fact that an incident such as this is detrimental to South Africa's international image and that it will impact negatively on the country's tourism industry.
From 4:00 until 7:30 this morning, the main supply routes to the airport, namely the R21 and R24, were blockaded by hundreds of taxis in a bid to get government authorities to intervene in the ongoing taxi war. As a result several passengers were delayed and missed their flights. Thanks to a joint effort by the airport's security division and the South African Police Service (SAPS), the vehicles were removed by 7:30 and traffic flow could return to normal again. Dr De Villiers wishes to express his sincere gratitude to the authorities involved for the swift and efficient manner in which they resolved the situation.
ISSUED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS AND TOURISM, PRETORIA, 18 OCTOBER 1995.
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