City of Cape Town pleads: SANTACO, end violence and lawlessness

Ongoing attacks on public transport, such as stoning private vehicles and blocking major routes, leave countless individuals stranded.

The City of Cape Town has closed facilities in high-risk areas to safeguard workers and prevent vandalism and attacks on infrastructure due to the strike.

On Thursday afternoon, SANTACO WC (South African National Taxi Council) initiated a strike, alleging police targeting and selective taxi impoundment.

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Last week SANTACO withdrew from engagements with the City and the Western Cape Government (WCG)

City of Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis invites SANTACO to resume talks after their withdrawal, with a condition to end violence and intimidation.

“‘While we respect the right to peaceful protest,violence and intimidation have no place in Cape Town,” said Hill-Lewis.

“We will continue to work with the SAPS to uphold the rule of law and hold those guilty of instigating public violence accountable,’ Hill-Lewis.

ALSO READ: Taxi Strike: Thousands left stranded, 11 year old walks home at night

Taxi strike impact on MyCiTi bus service, Dial-a-Ride

Throughout the minibus-taxi strike duration, the City closely monitors MyCiTi bus routes and Dial-a-Ride service areas.

During the ongoing strike, buses encounter stoning, road blockades, burning tires, and drivers facing threats with weapons.

The worst affected routes include those from the Civic Centre to Mitchells Plain, Khayelitsha, Atlantis, Dunoon, Killarney, Milnerton, and Joe Slovo.

ALSO READ: [WATCH]Taxi Strike: Buses and E-hailing cars go up in flames

According to the statement, law enforcement vehicles are escorting busses on routes that are deemed dangerous at this stage.

Golden Arrow buses also continue to operate but under very high alert and are working closely with Law Enforcement.

Mayoral Committee Member for Urban Mobility, Councillor Rob Quintas said the main priority is to keep commuters as safe as possible.

ALSO READ: Western Cape taxi strike: Stay-away to last until 9 August – SANTACO

Impact on Urban Waste Management

“We urge residents not to dump illegally and to please keep waste on their property until the City can clear the backlog,” said Hill-Lewis.

The city will offer a reward from R 1000 -R 5000 for every fine and conviction, from reporting illegal waste dumping on 0800 110077. .

ALSO READ: Cape Town taxi strike protest causes HUGE R4m in damages

Water and Sanitation services significantly affected

Roadblocks and traffic congestion cause delays citywide in attending to service requests, such as pipe repairs, sewer blockages, pump access, and water sampling.

“Residents are assured that City teams will respond to service requests as soon as it is possible and safe to do so,” said Hill-Lewis.

ALSO READ: Havoc as Cape Town taxi drivers retaliate against police

Furthermore the City Health advised that there are clinics operating “emergency services only” in selected areas until further notice.

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