By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The National Taxi Alliance (NTA), the country’s second-largest taxi association, has threatened a national shutdown should its demands not be met.
The alliance wants a 30% stake in the bus company, which operates in Ekurhuleni.
On Thursday, commuters were left stranded after taxi operations in Thembisa, Germiston, Benoni, Katlehong and Vosloorus were suspended.
Spokesperson Theo Malele said the bus company operates on routes that belong to taxis.
“The National Taxi Alliance notes the bus contracts issued in Ekurhuleni do not reflect the entire taxi industry’s stance on the aspect of it being accorded a stake in the issuance of a contract along routes it operates and has nurtured all the years.
“The development of these routes was done by the taxi industry, and therefore, the taxi Industry should be given at least 30% of the contract to compensate for the development and the losses it will incur in the process.
“Should the authorities remain incalcitrant in the matter, the industry will be left with no option either than to escalate the current shutdown in Ekurhuleni to national proportion, thus crippling the mobility of the masses as a consequence.
“We urge authorities to deal with the taxi industry’s resentment as a matter of urgency,” he added.
Meanwhile police have launched a manhunt for unknown gunmen who shot and killed two people in Germiston on Thursday.
The victims were shot while sitting in their car.
Police spokesperson Mavela Masondo said while the motive for the shooting is unknown, there is a possibility that it may be taxi-related.
“It is reported that the victims were inside the car when they were shot. The motive for the killing cannot be confirmed at this stage, although it is suspected to be related to taxi violence.”
“Both deceased are said to be members of the local taxi association,” he added
The shootings came as thousands of commuters in Germiston, Katlehong, Tembisa and other areas were left stranded on Thursday after taxi operators downed tools over a government’s decision to deploy buses on the taxi routes.