Soweto: Gauteng MEC for Roads and Transport, Kedibone Diale-Tlabela, has met with all public transport operators in Soweto as part of efforts to find lasting solutions to issues affecting the sector. Stakeholders included local taxi associations, e-hailing service operators, and law-enforcement officials.
According to South African Government News Agency, the meeting was convened following a resurgence of violence near Maponya Mall, where one person was killed and two others were injured on Wednesday night. The MEC condemned the attack, describing it as a threat to public transport safety and stability. She emphasized that such acts undermine public safety and tarnish the image of the transport sector.
The meeting resolved that all public transport operators must have access to operate inside the mall, which will remain operational to protect jobs. There was a call for law enforcement to prioritize the investigation into the incident and ensure that those responsible are held accountable. Stakeholders agreed that operators and passengers should not endure intimidation or fear.
The department plans to set up a temporary office to assist operators with licensing issues. Additionally, a meeting with industry leaders will be convened to discuss broader issues affecting the sector. The MEC urged the public transport sector to resolve disputes through department-facilitated platforms.
The Public Transport Crisis Committee, chaired by the MEC, was initially formed to clear the operating license backlog in collaboration with the taxi industry. It has since expanded to include all public transport stakeholders, ensuring representation from learner transport, e-hailing services, bus, and meter taxi operators. Local government and various provincial departments are also part of the committee.