Latest news with #GautengMECforRoadsandTransport
The Citizen
a day ago
- Automotive
- The Citizen
Gauteng MEC to visit Maponya Mall to assess ongoing tensions in public transport sector
Gauteng MEC to visit Maponya Mall to assess ongoing tensions in public transport sector Gauteng MEC for Roads and Transport, Kedibone Diale-Tlabela, will visit Maponya Mall on Thursday to assess ongoing tensions in the public transport sector, engage with affected stakeholders, and review the situation on the ground. This is according to the South African Government News Agency ( The visit follows a violent incident on Wednesday at the mall, allegedly involving taxi operators and e-hailing drivers, which resulted in one fatality and left two others injured. ALSO READ: One dead in suspected taxi violence at Maponya Mall In response to the growth of e-hailing services, President Cyril Ramaphosa signed an amended National Land Transport Act (NLTA) 5 of 2009 into law last year, allowing e-hailing operators to apply for operating licences in the same manner as other public transport providers. @sowetourbannews Community blocks roads following e-hailing violence at Maponya Mall, Soweto Protestors march in support of e-hailing drivers after a e-hailing driver was killed in a suspected taxi violence attack on August 13. Workers of Maponya Mall also came out in numbers in their uniform to join the protest. 📹: @ #maponyamall #klipspruit ♬ original sound – Soweto Urban News – Soweto Urban News The National Land Transport Act was originally presented to the president in 2020 but was returned to the National Assembly for reconsideration. The revised Bill updates the Act to reflect developments since its implementation, simplifies provisions, and resolves issues that have arisen. ALSO READ: WATCH: Community protests after the death and injuries of e-hailing drivers It also makes allowances for non-motorised and accessible transport and expands the minister's powers to introduce regulations and safety measures. The Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport continues to monitor the situation closely and aims to ensure the safety of commuters while maintaining order in the sector.
The South African
23-05-2025
- The South African
Gauteng MEC calls for an end to taxi violence amid rising tensions
Gauteng MEC for Roads and Transport, Kedibone Diale-Tlabela, has strongly condemned the recent spike in taxi-related violence in the province, warning that it endangers lives and undermines efforts to create a secure public transport system. Despite peace pledges from industry leaders, deadly clashes between rival taxi associations continue to erupt across the region. In recent weeks, several violent incidents, including fatal shootings of taxi drivers and marshals, have disrupted services and spread fear among commuters and operators. Diale-Tlabela pointed to ongoing route disputes as the root cause, stating that this bloodshed, connected to conflicts over routes between competing taxi associations, has created an environment of fear and insecurity for passengers, operators, and innocent people. She expressed disappointment in the failure of taxi industry leaders to uphold their commitments to peace. 'These acts of violence in the taxi industry are not only criminal but also a direct betrayal of the commitments made by the taxi industry leadership to uphold peace and prioritise the safety of commuters and communities,' the MEC said. The provincial government has intensified engagements with key industry stakeholders, including the Gauteng National Taxi Alliance (GNTA) and the South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO). These talks have resulted in the formation of a Conflict Resolution Committee aimed at addressing disputes through dialogue and mediation rather than violence. Diale-Tlabela made it clear that the government expects accountability. 'We call upon the leadership of taxi associations to honour their pledges, take responsibility, and assist in identifying those who continue to bring the industry into disrepute,' she said. 'Peace, discipline, and accountability must be the cornerstones of the taxi industry.' Warning of legal consequences, the MEC stressed that authorities would not hesitate to take action against those fuelling the violence. 'The safety of our citizens and the stability of public transport cannot be compromised. We urge all affected stakeholders to recommit to a peaceful and stable environment.' Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
