The protests, which began early this morning, saw members of taxi drivers and owners from various regions converging on city centers. (photo/ Dailysun)
Johannesburg, EPICSTORIAN – In a dramatic turn of events, South African taxi operators have staged a massive protest , demanding R1 million each from the City of Tshwane in honour of an agreement regarding operators affected by Areyeng BRT routes.
A representative for the 10-member committee, Johannes Skosana, overseeing Project Areyeng, noted disappointment of ‘members’ over delayed promise.
Skosana said they have lost confidence in the initially “agreement” of the Areyeng project by the City of Tshwane, which assured them of R1 million compensation to be paid September 2016.
“We’re disturbed by the manner in which this was conducted. We felt it was proper to follow up on it. We’ve been waiting for our compensation due to the Areyeng construction routes since 2013,” Skosana said.
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According to Skosana, Areyeng construction began 2013 and was planned to run until 2016, after which the taxi operators would receive their compensation September 2016.
He continued: “One member will submit a vehicle and a permit for compensation, which hasn’t been done yet. We’ve been doing follow-ups. Our initial agreement stated one vehicle, one lump sum. The city has changed that contract without our consent.”
Skosana further explained that financial challenges necessitated the need for the members’ to sked the city for payment, bu they have lost ‘faith in them’ with nothing yet done about their demands.
“We no longer have faith in them. We need clarity from the municipality about when we’re getting our money. Some members have died waiting,” he said.
The protests, which began early this morning, saw members of taxi drivers and owners from various regions converging on city centers.
Demonstrators carried banners and chanted slogans calling for immediate payment of the long expected R1 million to each, while government officials appeared to have acknowledged the concerns raised by the taxi operators but have yet to commit to meeting the financial demands.
However, while marching in unity Skosana noted that due to the project, cabs can no longer drive on the ‘designated area lane’, adding to their suffering and having no passengers.
“We want accountability. We can’t have so many people dying while others enjoy life, ” Skosana added.
Speaking at the office of the Tshwane MMC for Roads and Transport, another member of the Menlyn Taxi Association, Simon Mahlangu, also expressed his worries over loss of customers and some members of the association since the project took off.
“Our customers are leaving us because of Areyeng. The banks are repossessing our taxis,” said Mahlangu.
After sharing their sentiments, Katlego Mathebe, who is the Tshwane MMC for Roads and Transport, was handed their written petition.
“I’ve heard your pleas and recognise the inconvenience you’ve suffered,” she said.
Meanwhile, other members of the Menlyn taxi operators’ association chatted in the background, arguing that the situation has a put strain on their transport business.
“We have been struggling for years, and the current economic climate has pushed us to the brink,” one of them discussed.
“The R1 million compensation is not just a number; it represents the lifeline that will allow us to sustain our operations and support our families.”
What the Taxi Operators should hope for while waiting for a reply to the petition
The protest, however, did not disrupt traffic flow in other major cities, with no commuters experiencing significant delays.
As negotiations continue, the future of South Africa’s taxi industry remains uncertain, especially of the affected members of the Menlyn taxi association. The outcome of these discussions will likely impact not only the operators but also the daily lives of members who once relied on taxi services for their transportation needs.
