Africa-Press – South-Africa. The EFF in the Cape Metro has come out in support of an ongoing taxi protest, sparked by a permit dispute between the City of Cape Town and taxi operators, and is calling for the immediate release of all impounded taxis.
While the party condemned the violent nature of the protest, it advised drivers, in a statement, to protest in the city centre and Ndabeni, where the impounded taxis are being held.
This week 43 vehicles – 36 amaphela and seven minibuses – were impounded.
“The deliberate impounding of taxis in Cape Town is intended to minimise the taxi operation in the city. This is to create more room for Golden Arrow and MyCiTi buses since the City is benefiting from such a regulated mode of transportation. It is pertinent to note that the DA’s approach to this issue does not take into consideration the fact that ,” the party said.
It demanded the release if the impounded taxis.
“The City of Cape Town must fix its traffic department systems effectively to enable taxi owners to get their operating licences and permits on time. Additionally, once all permits and operating licenses have been issued, it is imperative that the City executives and the taxi associations conduct regular meetings to ensure an effective, working…relationship.”
On Friday, seven people were arrested in Cape Town for violence related to the protest. Smith said several community halls, including those in Crossroads and Browns Farm, were closed.
“There is no need for violence that follows our enforcement operations as that is what we have mandated to do and what the public expects,” Smith said.
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