STATEMENT BY MINISTER OF TRANSPORT, DULLAH OMAR RE: TAXI AND BUS RELATIVE PROBLEMS IN THE WESTERN CAPE

23 JUNE 2000

On 15 June 2000 an urgent meeting was convened at which were present Minister Lekota (Defence), Minister Tshwete (Safety and Security) and Minister Dullah Omar (Transport) as well as four MEC's from the Western Cape Government, Messrs Whily, Meyer, Markovitz and Bester. The representatives of National and Provincial Government met with CATA/CODETA to discuss the ongoing conflict around the taxi/Golden Arrow bus service issue.

A broad agreement was secured at the meeting which made provision for the following:

  1. Restoring and maintaining law and order were top priorities and Government indicated that this issue was non negotiable and it would take all efforts to restore law and order and prevent further violence.

  2. A further non negotiable principle was and remains the right of commuters to decide on the mode of transport which they want to use -whether it be bus, rail, taxi or private vehicle.

The above have been accepted by all parties. The meeting agreed that the following issues need to be addressed:

  1. The completion of the Legalisation Process of the minibus taxis in the Western Cape.

  2. The restructuring of the Local Road Transportation Board.

  3. A possible moratorium on prosecutions and dealing with impounded vehicles.

  4. The issue of subsidisation needs to be addressed. In this regard it was pointed out that the National Land Transport Transition Bill currently before Parliament does begin to address the issue and that the matter is being dealt with nationally in discussion with SATACO.

  5. It was also agreed that all parties must respect the right of operators who hold certificates/permits to operate, to do so in accordance with their certificates and free from interference and intimidation.

  6. Whilst the above has been noted, CATA/CODETA want to discuss with Golden Arrow their operating in Khayelitsha over weekends (Saturdays and Sundays). This is a major difference between parties but National Government agreed to facilitate a meeting to enable Golden Arrow and the Taxi Industry to address the issue to see whether any agreement could be reached.

National Government wishes to stress the high priority it places on imposition and maintenance of law and order. Minister Steve Tswete assured that adequate men and equipment should be available to the Western Cape Government to enable law and order to be so maintained. Steps have already been taken in this regard. Minister Omar has written confirmation from the SAPS that additional men and equipment were made available to the Western Cape.

Issued by Mike Mabasa
Manager: Media Liaison
Ministry of Transport
083 680 7048