BUSA notes with increasing concern the escalation of violence in the dispute between the Western Cape government and various taxi associations after the impounding of taxis for various transgressions. BUSA is not privy to the details of the dispute, but we note that negotiations are ongoing to resolve the situation.
We are, however, concerned about the escalation in violence and the impact the taxi strike is having on supply chains and business activity. We are concerned that employees are unable to travel to work. We are also concerned about the impact on food security because transport of goods is affected by the violence and criminal activity, which includes incidents of looting. This must be of sincere concern to government at all levels and we urge both the Western Cape government and government at national level to bolster law and order presence in volatile areas and ensure strong action is taken against people using this set of circumstances for criminal activity. We must guard against a repetition of the insurrection that occurred in July 2021.
We also appeal to taxi organisations and taxi operators to desist from violence and not intimidate commuters who want to use other forms of transport to go about their business. All citizens must operate within the law, and taxi operators are no exception. We urge restraint and all efforts to act against violent and criminal behaviour and will track the outcome of ongoing negotiations.
ENDS
Cas Coovadia
Business Unity SA CEO
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For more information, please contact:
Sizwe Maswanganye
Tel: 011 784 8000/0766516444