“CAPE Town Government is to blame for the mayhem in the City,” says transport Minister Sindisiwe Chikunga.
This follows the ongoing taxi violence in Cape Town, that has resulted in lives lost and passengers not going to work or school.
Some of busses were also burnt and other motorists cars damaged by irate communities who stoned every passing vehicle.
Chikunga has blamed the City of Cape Town for exacerbating the already volatile situation by continuing to illegally impound hundreds of taxis without applying the country’s public and land transportation laws.
The minister was addressing a media brief in Midrand today.
Nceba Enge from Santaco says they hope truce will prevail and talks begin with Government of the Western Cape to release impounded taxis.
The City has been granted interim order by the Cape Town court to “stop this madness”, as the judge handed down the order, today.
ANC in the Western Cape has called for the return of impounded taxis and return to normality in the City.
According to the Chamber’s Deputy President, Derryn Brigg, for many sectors it is too soon to quantify the economic loss, but businesses have reported widespread absenteeism linked to commuter inability to reach the workplace.
The Retail Motor Industry Sector reported a 50% impact on their workforce, with fewer customer visits as well. Fish SA reported that 80% of its workforce is affected, with a substantial number of workers either absent or arriving late.
The Federated Hospitality Association of Southern Africa anticipates a sharp decline in bookings in local establishments in light of the UK issuing a safety warning for its citizens in Cape Town.
Additionally, the Cape Town Port operated with only 60% of its staff, significantly hampering ship movement, container discharge and collection or deliveries. As a result, goods are not reaching production lines and products not reaching consumers.
Police minister Bheki Cele visited the province and promised they will engage with all affected parties to normalise the situation. He also took a jab at the City’s officials and the Mayor citing “everyone must come off high horse and swallow their pride because the ordinary are suffering”.
Image (Transport minister Sindiswa Chikunga lays blame on Cape Town Gvt as the taxi strike continues).
