24 March 2009
The SACP condemns today`s bosses` strike in Johannesburg organised by renegade forces within the taxi sector. Workers, learners and other commuters, and our communities at large have lost patience with these bullies who think that they own our public roads and our public transport ranks. We condemn the violence that has been directed against working class commuters and bus-drivers.
The SACP has for years now been campaigning for an affordable, reliable and efficient public transport system and we are convinced that the BRT is as right step in that direction.
While everyone has the right to peaceful protest, the stated reason for today`s strike action by the so-called United Taxi Association Forum is completely spurious. Johannesburg`s pioneering Rea Vaya Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project will, for the first time in our country, begin to provide modern, affordable, accessible and safe public transport in one of our major cities.
What is more, the operators of the 550 taxis on the first phase of the BRT are being offered increased business opportunities as bus operators and share-holders. Affected drivers will have the chance to work as formal sector bus drivers, with pensions and other benefits. As the Rea Vaya programme unfolds, so other affected operators and drivers will become beneficiaries.
The real reason behind the instigation of today`s taxi strike is that there are a few taxi-bosses who are not on affected routes but who want to leverage a slice of the BRT action for themselves. In pursuing this selfish agenda, they are prepared to whip up emotions and prey upon the vulnerability of drivers and small operators, using them as cannon fodder.
The minibus sector does indeed have many challenges with operating licensing boards, with a stalled taxi recapitalisation programme, and with general business sustainability. But the anti-BRT mobilisation is a smoke-screen for other agendas. While the doors of the authorities and of our ANC-led movement should always be open to those with genuine concerns, we cannot allow warlordism to disrupt the lives of our communities. The authorities must act decisively, using appropriate methods of law enforcement, against criminal behaviour - let us defend and reclaim our public spaces!
The SACP is however open to engagement with the Taxi Industry as we have done before to discuss the many legitimate challenges and concerns of this industry. As the SACP we want to emphasise that the interest of the taxi commuters, the workers and the poor of our country, must be protected. Let us not use the BRT in a convenient way of raising other matters, let`s rather confront whatever other legitimate concerns the taxi industry have.
Issued by the SACP
Contact:
Malesela Maleka
SACP Spokesperson - 082 226 1802