Industry leaders from SANTACO, Border Alliance, Ncedo and EC Taxi Association met with Eastern Cape Premier, Oscar Mabuyane and Transport MEC, Weziwe Tikana-Gxotiwe this morning and committed to work with authorities to protect businesses that provide employment to scores of people who the lifeblood of the taxi industry.
Speaking on behalf of the industry, SANTACO’s Gabs Mtshala was clear that if looting and destruction is allowed in the province, it will spell job losses for the same people who are the lifeblood of our industry.
“When our people lose their jobs because of destruction and looting, we will also lose our business and run a risk of our taxis being repossessed. We cannot allow that to happen. We have activated everyone involved in the industry, from drivers to taxi and rank marshals to act against hooligans,” said the taxi industry bosses.
Premier Mabuyane hailed the commitments made by the taxi industry in the province as a much needed source of support to protect the province’s fragile economy. Mabuyane warned that the province won’t tolerate any acts of vandalism saying that vandalism similar to what is playing out in KwaZulu Natal and Gauteng will be crippling for a province like the Eastern Cape.
Law enforcement authorities remain on high alert and the Eastern Cape remains peaceful with economic activities continuing without hindrance so far.
Issued by: Office of the MEC, Department of Transport and Community Safety.
