Mokonyane: Gauteng won't be held to ransom by taxi industry

Gauteng Premier Nomvula Mokonyane has warned taxi operators not to disrupt the launch of the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system to be launched in Johannesburg next week, the Star reported on Wednesday.

“The taxi industry can’t be a law unto themselves,” Mokonyane said during a visit to the Johannesburg Central police station on Tuesday.

“BRT is about the government facilitating an opportunity for all South Africans.

“We’re going to be tough and can’t be held to ransom by the taxi industry.

“If they want to rule this country, they must register as a political party and contest in the elections.”

Mokonyane said if taxi operators wanted to protest next week, they should not break the law.

“If it is a stayaway, then they must stay home and not disrupt traffic on our roads.”

The South African National Taxi Council announced last week that a nationwide taxi strike would start on Monday.

The taxi industry has said the BRT, an improved bus service, would adversely affect its business and had complained it was not an active player in the planning stages of BRT.

Commuters will be allowed a day of free rides when the buses start operating on August 30.