A planned media briefing on Friday morning to articulate the latest developments surrounding taxi violence in the Western Cape was called off at the last minute to accommodate a march by one of the protagonists, Codeta.
The Congress of Democratic Taxi Association (Codeta) and Cape Amalgamated Taxi Association (Cata) were to be part of the briefing by provincial transport minister, Mcebisi Skwatsha.
Skwatsha decided to postpone the meeting to allow all parties a chance to express their concersn, said transport department spokesperson Themba Nobantana.
”Considerable progress has been made,” said Nobantana of the conflict between the warring parties, which has claimed the lives of at least four people and injured many others.
He said Codeta had a right to march, adding this didn’t mean they weren’t committed to peace, as they had indicated during breakthrough discussions on Thursday.
Cata president, Alfred Maseti, said outside the transport ministry building that he was ”very impressed” and ”very satisfied” with the progress that has been made.
Maseti said he didn’t know exactly what the minister would announce and if Skwatsha intended rescinding an earlier proclamation closing several taxi ranks.
Skwatsha issued the emergency proclamation this week, in part to try and force the recalcitrant parties, who have been conducting a low-intensity campaign of violence and intimidation, back to the negotiating table.
His decision to close ranks at Bellville, Kraaifontein and Brackenfell from Tuesday, saw Cata protesting outside his offices.
Cata and Codeta have been at each other’s throats for several months over disputed taxi routes, particularly along the Kraaifontein/Brackenfell route.
Meanwhile, the Democratic Alliance has threatened high court action to force the re-opening of the ranks.
”If MEC Skwatsha has not opened the northern area taxi ranks by opening of business on Monday 18th April, I will apply to the High Court for an urgent order instructing him to do so,” said transport spokesperson Robin Carlisle on Friday.
He said in a statement that the court application would be on behalf of his party and in the public interest.
Carlisle said there were many other ”less drastic” options open to closing the ranks, which the minister failed to take.
”Most important would be to fairly and firmly apply the regulation of the industry as laid down in law, and which he and his predecessors have so signally failed to do over many years,” said Carlisle.
Organised business and labour have also expressed reservations about the taxi rank closure. – Sapa