Sameera Casmod | sameerac@radioislam.co.za
08 August 2023 | 09:53am SAST
2 min read

Picture: EWN

The ongoing taxi strike in the Western Cape has entered a critical phase as talks between the city of Cape Town government and the South African National Taxi Council (Santaco) remain inconclusive. The strike, which began due to disagreements over strict bylaw enforcement, has led to a series of challenges, arrests, and disruptions affecting the lives of thousands.

Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis condemned the violence that has accompanied the strike, urging Santaco to cease the unrest immediately. Mayor Lewis emphasized that negotiations cannot proceed under the threat of violence, stating, “We will not negotiate with a ‘literal’ gun to out heads. There can be no further discussions with local Santaco leadership until their violence stops. Simple. We call on Santaco to stop the violence immediately.” The strike has resulted in the arrest of at least 72 individuals on charges related to public violence.

In addition to the arrests, the strike’s impact is rippling across various sectors. The closure of 27 schools and multiple health clinics has compounded the situation, leaving communities in distress. More than 200,000 commuters, heavily reliant on public transport services, are experiencing severe disruptions to their daily lives.

Santaco’s spokesperson, Rebecca Phala, shed light on the reasons behind the strike during an interview with Radio Islam International. Phala stated that the taxi industry felt targeted by the city’s attempts to enforce bylaws and impound vehicles over minor infractions, such as a failure to signal lane changes. She highlighted a perceived intent to eliminate taxis, prompting Santaco’s decision to withdraw vehicles from the road.

Regarding recent negotiations, tensions escalated as the blame game unfolded. Mayor Hill-Lewis accused Santaco of arriving with armed guards wielding assault rifles. Santaco denied responsibility for the violence and expressed reluctance to engage in discussions focused on minor details, instead emphasising the need to resolve the transportation crisis.

The strike’s ongoing impact is a cause for concern, as citizens are left stranded due to the lack of transportation options. Santaco is actively seeking a resolution, despite challenges in negotiations. The strike, initially planned to continue until the 9th of August, has prompted discussions with the National Department of Transport in a bid to find common ground and address the underlying issues.

Santaco underscores that the strike is not an attempt to inconvenience commuters or provoke conflict, but rather a plea for fair treatment and the protection of their livelihoods. The industry aims to resume operations while engaging in meaningful negotiations with the city to reach a mutually beneficial agreement.

Listen to the full interview on Sabaahul Muslim with Moulana Sulaiman Ravat here.