Cape Town – The South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO) on Thursday continued the minibus taxi strike, which began just over a week ago.
The City of Cape Town said it notes SANTACO’s communication to operators of continued strike action on Thursday and Friday, 10 and 11 August.
The City said it will continue to prioritise the protection of commuters and public safety in general, including escorts for public transport and frontline services staff.
Police Minister General Bheki Cele, earlier this week said at least five deaths have been linked to the violent strike action that has seen the torching of buses, stunning of vehicles, and setting alight of a depot.
General Cele said a police officer was among the deceased.
On Thursday the City said it was providing safety escort services, which will also be extended to food delivery trucks in communities within available resources.
The City has further reached out to NGOs Gift of the Givers and Heal our Land for support in providing food relief to communities struggling under the ongoing taxi strike action.
For as long as SANTACO adheres to the interdict against violence and disruption, the City said it stands ready to continue negotiations at any time so that resolutions can be found without compromising the principle of the rule of law.
The City, which has impounded some taxis, said it was entirely within SANTACO’s powers to end the strike and return to constructive talks.
The continued strike action means that many communities are struggling with ongoing disruptions to their daily lives and ability to earn a living.
“People are going hungry and we will do whatever we can to help together with NGO partners like Gift of the Givers and Heal our Land while the taxi strike continues,” said Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis.
“We urge SANTACO to end the siege… this stay away has placed on especially the most vulnerable communities in our city,” said Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis.
Both the Gift of the Givers as well as Heal our Land have responded to the request and the City’s disaster relief teams will be working with them to coordinate efforts.
SANTACO said while it sympathises with commuters affected by the minibus taxis stay away it was pressing for the release of impounded taxis before services could resume.
SANTACO said it has taken the matter to court, with the City insisting it will only release impounded taxis on payment of fines running into thousands of rand.
Meanwhile, the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) has issued a travel warning for people intending to visit Cape Town.
The FCDO issued the travel warning for South Africa after strikes in Cape Town turned violent over the weekend and disrupted travel to and from the city’s main airport.
