Wata ‘willing’ to work with Nanduwe to stop taxi violence

The Witwatersrand Taxi Association (Wata) says they are willing to meet with rival association Nancefield Dube West Association (Nanduwe) to find a solution to their ongoing conflict over routes.

The associations have been at loggerheads for years now over the Soweto to Johannesburg CBD route, which has led to violence.

More than 100 taxi operators have reportedly died over the past eight years due to the conflict.

Wata spokesperson, Hamilton Miya, says they don’t want any more blood spilled, but to continue working and serving Sowetans.

He has accused the Gauteng Transport MEC, Kedibone Diale-Tlabela, of being in contempt of court, saying it is concerning that she has not been held to account for her transgression.

 

Miya says operations have returned to normal, despite them still being disrupted by Nanduwe affiliated taxi operators on the road.

He says some of their drivers are being beaten up by their rivals.

The Gauteng police have, meanwhile, warned the taxi associations against using intimidation tactics against each other.

Gauteng police commissioner, Tommy Mthombeni, says are ready to enforce the law if needs be.

West Rand District police commission, Fred Kekana, says a task team has been established to ensure safety and security on the roads.

He says their main focus will be the taxi violence hotspots.

The Gauteng Transport Department says it is in the process of publishing a notice in the provincial gazette to trigger a process to, among others, suspend the operating licences of Wata and Nanduwe affiliates due to the ongoing violence.

The MEC’s spokesperson, Lesiba Mpya, says this will assist them in curbing the unrest.

“It’s precautionary to the preservation of life and ensuring the safety of those within the area, those coming into the area as well as operators and passengers,” he adds.

Speaking to YNews, Mpya said the process will afford the affected parties an opportunity to make representations to the MEC on why she shouldn’t take these extra ordinary sanctions.

“It will also assist us in consulting other planning authorities such as the municipality and also coordinate alternative transportation that link to the disputed routes. As things stand, we have intensified law enforcement and are ready for the implementation of MEC’s decision.”