GOOD Statement by Matthew Cook
GOOD Gauteng Political Manager
10 June 2023
A leadership vacuum in Gauteng has left innocent commuters in the middle of escalating violence between taxis and e-hailing services in the province.
The tension between the two industries, which has also included meter taxis, has been ongoing since 2017. This has seen some e-hailing drivers attacked and murdered; cars set alight, and passengers stranded and unable to reach their destinations.
It is unacceptable that the Gauteng government has lost control to a point where some areas can now simply be declared no-go zones by a small group of vigilantes.
First Gautrain stations were declared no-go areas, now malls, townships and even suburbs are being targeted, while commuters are once again left at the mercy of taxi associations, as well as a seemingly growing number of unregistered e-hailing drivers.
Stakeholders said that despite a broad transport liaison committee being set up to address the issues, and begin to outline interim regulations, the Gauteng government failed to ensure that it produces sustainable results for all the sectors involved.
Furthermore, despite boasting about his 6000 strong new crime wardens across Gauteng and a focus on combating lawlessness and crime, Premier Panyaza Lesufi’s instant cops were nowhere to be seen during the recent attacks in known hotspots.
Gauteng residents have the right to choose where, how and when they wish to commute.
GOOD calls upon the Gauteng government to urgently take legitimate steps and ensure that residents of Gauteng are able to exercise their constitutional right to freedom of movement.
Media Enquiries:
Matthew Cook, GOOD Gauteng
Cell: 074 359 8237
Email: matthewc@forgood.org.za
Janke Tolmay, GOOD Media Manager
Cell: 073 367 1223
Email: janke@forgood.org.za