The ANC in the Eastern Cape is shocked by what seems to be re-emerging taxi violence in Mthatha following reports of fighting between some Taxi associations, allegedly, over the route between Mthatha and Libode.
Violence is not a solution to the differences and interests of the taxi industry because it puts lives of passengers and other road users at risk. Violence also destroys the livelihood of taxi owners, who because of violence will not be able to pay for their taxis and earn an income.
Fighting and killing each other is not a solution. We call on the taxi associations involved on this matter, the entire taxi industry in the province to stop fighting. They should rather resolve their differences through negotiations because bullets and violence are not a solution.
The province will never afford going back to the old days of taxi violence. We need to have a peaceful taxi industry that works together to benefit from the economic spinoffs flowing from the ongoing massive road infrastructure investments in the province.
Taxi associations must work together to protect road users and passengers because without them, there is no taxi industry. Days of black people solving disputes and differences through the barrel of gun, fighting, murder and violence are over.
If we return to this, all the gains made by many black people from the taxi industry will be wiped out. We need sober and lam minds to stop the violence so that our brothers and sisters in the taxi industry will continue benefiting from the improving road network infrastructure in the OR Tambo district.
We call upon the law enforcement agencies, police in this case, to do everything in their power and leave no stone unturned until perpetrators are bought to book. We want to convey our deepest heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased. This is so unfortunate; it is not supposed to be like this, it must be stopped immediately.
NB: This statement must be attributed to Lubabalo Mabuyane, ANC Provincial Secretary.
For more information please contact
ANC Eastern Cape Acting Communications Officer
Judy Ngoloyi on
073 117 6194.
Email : judy.ngoloyi@gmail.com
