Issued by: North West Communication Service
09 MAY 1997
The MEC for Transport and Civil Aviation in the North West, Mr Frans Vilakazi supports the peace initiatives by both the Federation of Long Distance Taxi Association (Feldta) and its counterpart, South African Local and Long Distance Taxi Association (Salldta), in their efforts co call for a peace rally that is aimed at bringing the two warring factions together.
However, the department strongly condemns the continued taxi violence that claimed two lives last Saturday minutes before the intended rally could start at Rietgat taxi rank. The department sends condolences to the families of the bereaved. We call on executives of both organisations to take drastic actions against the perpetrators of violence by way of exposing them and expelling them from their organisations as a demonstration of being serious in bringing peaceful solution to the industry.
We note with serious concern that second peace rally has failed as a result of such attacks. We are convinced that whoever is behind this violence is opposed to peace and stability in this industry We further say this peace process requires a tripartite approach to any future solution to the industry. Such tripartite approach should be between the government, the industry and organs of civil society.
We on our side as government are still pursuing the dialogue on ongoing basis with the two warring factionuickly find a lasting solution before the carnage degenerates into a total state of anarchy.
The violence will be put under serious scrutiny of debate at National Council of Provinces in Cape Town on June 12 1997 when the North West through Mr Vilakazi will in collaboration with colleagues from other provinces present a clear plan of action which we hope will consolidate the department's perspective in dealing with violence.
For further information contact Mr Butler Matlapeng at 0140 875444/3 during working hours.