Taxi strike called off: Will City of Cape Town release impounded taxis?

SANTACO Western Cape finally brought a sigh of relief to commuters after calling off the taxi strike this evening, Thursday, 10 August.

SANTACO CALLS OFF TAXI STRIKE IN WESTERN CAPE

SANTACO Western Cape chairman Mandla Hermanus announced that a resolution was reached between the Taxi Industry and the Government.

However, the association brought the strike to an end without the release of its taxis that were impounded during a week-long violent strike.

“There is an agreement that the next 14 days will be utilised to work towards the release of the vehicles that were wrongly impounded. This is a significant step towards restoring trust and operations to their regular state,” said Hermanus.

ALSO READ: BREAKING: Taxi strike called off with immediate effect

IS THE CITY OF CAPE TOWN RELEASING THE TAXIS FOR FREE

However, is the City of Cape Town on the same page?

The City of Cape had argued that it would only release the impounded taxis once a fine was paid.

ALSO READ: Minister of Transport declares impounding of TAXIS in Cape Town UNLAWFUL

Reflecting on the taxi strike, MMC for Safety and Security JP Smith said the SANTACO strike has brought much difficulty to the public but in particular to the business sector.

“Staff across the city have not been able to gain transport to their place of work, causing a detrimental ripple effect through various industries, particularly that of the fast-moving consumable goods (FMCG) sector and some sectors relating to that of the medical field,” he said.

• ALSO READ: UK issues travel warning over Cape Town taxi strike
• ALSO READ: “This can no longer be defined as a strike” – JP Smith

TAXI STRIKE RESOLUTION NOT TRUSTED?

Prior to the expulsion of the strike, Smith said the City had begun making arrangements to provide armed escorts for some employees needing to fetch their staff from volatile areas, where staff have been intimidated from leaving.

“Enforcement services are also providing protection to delivery vehicles of some food suppliers, this in addition to the current protection provided for transport service providers that were previously placed under threat, including that of Golden Arrow Bus Services and MyCiti. These arrangements are being coordinated through DRM and the Joint Operations Command Centre,” he explained.

ALSO READ: Cape Town Taxi Strike: ActionSA leader Herman Mashaba takes a stance

Is it really the end? Share your thoughts…

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