Minister Bheki Cele was allegedly at the SANTACO meeting. Image: SA Taxi/@SAPoliceService
DA suspects political involvement in on going taxi strike
DA accuses Bheki Cele of turning a blind eye as the taxi strike got underway in Cape Town while he was in the City.
Minister Bheki Cele was allegedly at the SANTACO meeting. Image: SA Taxi/@SAPoliceService
The Democratic Alliance(DA) has questioned Police Minister Bheki Cele‘s presence during a SANTACO (South African National Taxi Council) executive meeting earlier this week. In the meeting management of the taxi industry declared a begin a stay away with immediate effect which left commuters stranded and desperate.
DA ALLEGES POLITICAL INVOLVEMENT IN TAXI STRIKE
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The minister admitted to being in Cape Town on Thursday, before returning to Johannesburg on Thursday night. The DA’s shadow minister of Police Andrew Whitfield, say’s Cele’s presence at the meeting, raises questions about his involvement and role in a matter that falls outside the scope of his responsibilities.
“It is distressing that while the strike was underway and acts of violence were being perpetrated, Minister Cele was not seen addressing these incidents. The burning of buses and looting of trucks have put innocent lives at risk, and the recent shooting of a bus driver in Khayelitsha is a tragic incident that should not be overlooked”, says Whitfield.
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Whitfield has called on the Minister to clarify his involvement in the meeting and to provide details account of his actions during the start of the strike.
STRIKE TO CONTINUE TILL THURSDAY
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SANTACO has threatened to continue the strike until Thursday 10 August. They allege that they have been unfairly targeted by law in enforcement in the province, with bigger emphasis in Cape Town.
6000 taxi’s have already been impounded by the traffic officers since the beginning of the year. Taxi’s bosses say their vehicles are being unfairly impounded as some offences are committed by the driver, such as not wearing a seatbelt.
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“We urge the relevant authorities to take swift action to resolve the taxi strike and engage all stakeholders to find a lasting solution to the issues facing the industry. Our priority remains the well-being and safety of the people of Cape Town” Whitfield implored.
