Gauteng: Gauteng Roads and Transport MEC Kedibone Diale-Tlabela has called on all stakeholders in the taxi industry to desist from intimidation, extortion, threats, violence, and any other form of unlawful conduct. This follows recent incidents of intimidation, threats, and extortion within the taxi industry in the province, particularly where fellow industry members are being targeted by individuals attempting to use fear, coercion, and unlawful influence to advance their interests.
According to South African Government News Agency, the MEC emphasized that there is no place for criminality in Gauteng's public transport system. She stressed that no individual or group has the right to use intimidation, threats, or extortion to advance its interests, and those who engage in such conduct will face the full might of the law. The MEC warned that if unlawful conduct involves a holder of an operating licence, the department will pursue all applicable legal processes to ensure that the operator's licence is revoked or otherwise dealt with in accordance with the law.
The matter has been brought to the attention of the Provincial Taxi Task Team (PKTT), and the MEC urged the industry to resolve disputes and differences through established industry structures and lawful processes. She stated that intimidation and coercion cannot be allowed to undermine the stability of the industry or compromise the safety and livelihoods of those who depend on it.
The MEC reaffirmed the department's commitment to working with the taxi industry, law enforcement agencies, and other relevant stakeholders to strengthen lawfulness, stability, and accountability within Gauteng's public transport system. She further called on all industry members to choose dialogue and lawful processes over intimidation and to work collectively to protect the safety, dignity, and livelihoods of operators, drivers, workers, and commuters.