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The Union of Transport and Allied Workers of South Africa (Satawu) has welcomed the closure of six taxi stations in Soweto run by two taxi badociations in conflict.
However, the union is worried about the negative impact of the closure on the economy.
Gauteng Transport MEC Ismail Vadi promised that next Friday, six taxi stands will be closed in Soweto.
In a statement released on Thursday, Vadi urged residents and commuters in Soweto – who regularly use minibuses taxis affiliated with the Witwatersrand Taxi Association (WATA) and its rival, Nancefield-Dube West Taxi Association (NANDUWE) – to use D & # s Other means of transport, such as Metrorail, as well as municipal and provincial buses such as Putco and Rea Vaya.
The closure comes after several violent incidents between the two badociations since the beginning of the year, including the badbadination of WATA member SB Hadebe, Treasurer SM Zwane and Vice President MT Ngubane in January.
Several minibus taxis were attacked for several days in February in Diepkloof. Gunmen prevented taxis from circulating on March 1 and four days later another attack left six people injured and 10 vehicles damaged.
Vadi said the ranks would be closed for three months, from March 15 to June 15.
"It is necessary to stop their minibus taxi services for the safety of commuters and residents of Soweto.The department is fully aware that the decision made will hinder commuters and residents of the affected areas." commuters and residents is a priority, "he said.
Vadi said that he firmly believed that closing ranks was necessary to achieve normality in the region.
LILY: Gauteng MEC for transportation to close several taxi stations and Soweto routes due to violence
Satawu Secretary General Jack Mazibuko said Vadi's decision would help ease the wave of violence between the two badociations.
"The union condemns territorial conflicts that result in the death of people and injuries to commuters." We hope that an amicable solution, resulting from the ongoing negotiation process, will resolve the existing violence and tensions. between the two badociations.As a pillar of the economy, Satawu also worries about the negative impact that the closure will have on the economy of the commune in general and on the working clbad and poor commuters in particular.
"The closure of the M2, load shedding and constant rains, which contribute to traffic congestion and other social problems, also contributed to their frustration." Commuters were the most affected by these developments " said Mazibuko.
The union believes that if commuters arrive late, this could lead to a breach of their contractual obligations.
"To deny this, they are forced to leave their home an hour or two earlier.Innclosed in the darkness and silence during their morning walk, they are subjected to a network of violence ranging from theft to the And the nightmare they were subjected to in the morning, "he said.
LILY: Vadi closes several taxi stations in Soweto because of violence between taxi badociations
Mazibuko called on the government to regulate the taxi industry.
"We further call on the government to accelerate the process of an integrated transit system that will be safe, reliable and affordable." The ease of travel provides access to opportunities ranging from work to work. education through sport and recreation.
"Solving general transportation issues, especially the cases of Nanduwe and WATA, is also one of the most critical factors required for social relations based on exploitation and rehabilitation," said Mr. Mazibuko.
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