STATEMENT ON THE CLOSURE OF DURBAN TAXI RANKS

15 August 2000

On Saturday, 12 August 2000, Lungile Zikalala, an eight year year old child was killed. Her mother Ncane Zikalala and her sister Thembekile were seriously injured. Within an hour after this incident, Musa Zondi, a taxi driver was also killed. In both these cases innocent people were shot indiscriminately because they happened to be in taxis whose owners and associations are involved in disputes between themselves. Both incidents happened on the N2 near Zinkwazi and near Stanger.

The following day, Sunday 13 August 2000, a taxi rank manager was abducted near Engen Garage near Alice Street. He is still missing.

There is presently warring armed groupings patrolling the freeways ostensibly to protect the taxis as they move with passengers.

It is within this context that I am today announcing the closure of the following ranking facilities:

• Durban Long Distance Taxi Owners Association situated opposite Durban Station.
• Durban Taxi Owners Association situated at Etna Lane, Durban.

The re-opening of the ranks will be dependent on:

• serious negotiations by the affected associations.
• The affected associations' commitment to resolution of the conflict over long distance routes.
• Agreement regarding future operations and procedures to be followed should one of the parties default, which agreement must be signed by both associations and shall be made an order of the Court.

However, these measures should not be seen in isolation from other programmes we have embarked upon to stabilise the taxi industry.

The Judicial Commission of Inquiry into Taxi Violence, chaired by Judge G. Alexander is busy with various submissions which will help us identify, arrest and prosecute perpetrators of this violence. The measures we have taken are an immediate and short term responses to the crisis. The entire problem will be dealt with by the Commission. The Commission has already set dates for hearings with regard to Durban long distance taxi conflict.

The democratisation programme within the taxi industry in the province has received enthusiastic support from the majority of taxi operators. It is aimed at introducing a democratic culture within associations and their provincial structures. One hundred and thirty five taxi associations have gone through the election process in accordance with government set standards. By the end of this week, forty one additional associations will have conducted local elections.

For further info, please contact Mlungisi Ndhlela at 082 5666 781 or George Mahlalela at 082 5666 783

ISSUED BY : KWAZULU-NATAL MINISTER OF TRANSPORT
SBU NDEBELE