Tensions are simmering within two major taxi associations in Soweto, Gauteng, sparking fears of violence escalating.
On Tuesday, Gauteng Transport MEC, Kedibone Diale-Tlabela suspended the permits of the Witwatersrand African Taxi Association (Wata) and Nancefield Dube West Association (Nanduwe)Β following recent fighting between both organisation.
Commuters have been largely affected as Soweto taxis that go to the Joburg CBD are suspended from operating.
The associations are, however, allowed to work in the township.
Speaking to YNews, Wata’s Hamilton Miya raised concern over the impact of the suspension on the public.
Miya says all they want to do is work and serve South Africans.
The association also accused the Gauteng Transport MEC, Kedibone Diale-Tlabela of bullying tendencies.
Miya says she’s defied a court ruling, ordering Nanduwe to allow Wata to continue working on the Joburg route.
Miya says Nanduwe is trying to muscle them out of business.
The MEC who is in the eye of the storm, Kedibone Diale-Tlabela, says the suspensions will remain until both associations find an amicable solution and stop the violence.
YNews reached out to Nanduwe to hear its side of the story and the organisation’s representatives have promised to get back to us.
Our MEC Kedibone Diale-Tlabela is currently holding a stakeholder engagement with Soweto commuters and residents affected by the Department’s intention to suspend and revoke operating permits of the taxi operators and routes operated by WATA and NANDUWE the Nancefield-Dube,Soweto pic.twitter.com/khnL697WDL
β Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport (@GPDRT_) March 27, 2024
Awww… I’m reading somewhere that the MEC of @GPDRT_ Roads and Transport has started the process of closing WATA and NANDUWE routes and revoking their permits in Soweto π©ππ½ββοΈ…
What happened this time? π€ pic.twitter.com/NqP1zRwQZ1
β πππ πππππππππ πππ πΏπ¦ (@Takatso_Moloi) March 27, 2024
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