Melikhaya Zagagana8 November 2024 | 15:46

SAFTU calls on govt to intervene in taxi industry's intimidation of motorists

This follows the suspension of the Rea Vaya bus service in Joburg on Monday after the South African National Taxi Council claimed the deployment of new buses happened without proper consultation with the taxi industry.

SAFTU calls on govt to intervene in taxi industry's intimidation of motorists

Picture: © Alexey Stiop /123rf.com

CAPE TOWN - The South African Federation of Trade Unions (SAFTU) is calling on government to intervene in what it calls unchecked intimidation and bullying by the taxi industry against motorists.

This follows the suspension of the Rea Vaya bus service in Joburg on Monday after the South African National Taxi Council claimed the deployment of new buses happened without proper consultation with the taxi industry.

READ: EC Transport Dept condemns shootings believed to be linked to taxi violence

SAFTU's Mogoshadi Maserumule has pointed to a recent incident, where SANTACO leadership in Mpumalanga warned that motorists found to be picking up hitchhikers will be fined R2500.

"This ongoing harassment not only endangers public safety but also infringes upon the rights of all South Africans. We demand swift and decisive action to put an end on this unacceptable behaviour. The taxi industry has a well-documented history of aggressively targeting alternative transportation modes, such as e-haling services from their inception."

EWN is still awaiting a response from SANTACO's national leadership.