APA-Cape Town (South Africa) The provincial government in South Africa’s Western Cape region said on Monday it was working on “new terms of engagement” in the aftermath of a violent strike by commuter omnibus operators that has crippled operations and resulted in several deaths in Cape Town.
Omnibus taxi operators have been on strike since August 3 to protest the impoundment of their vehicles for traffic violations following the collapse of negotiations with the provincial government.
The strike has since turned violence, with the taxi operators disrupting traffic and residents engaging in looting of shops.
Provincial Premier Alan Winde said his government is concerned about the impact of the strike on the Western Cape economy and on social services.
“This situation is untenable and unacceptable. Our residents cannot be forced to endure this lawlessness. All parties must return to negotiations,” Winde said in a statement.
He said his administration was “gravely concerned at the devastating impact caused by the strike called by the South African National Taxi Council in the Western Cape (SANTACO-WC).”
“I am appalled at the scale of violence that has not only dealt a severe blow to our economy and critical services but has also delegitimised and damaged SANTACO-WC’s cause.”
According to Winde, he was going to convene a special cabinet meeting on Monday that would also be attended by “key leadership from the City of Cape Town to assess what further steps need to be taken and the impact on services.”
“All sides, more especially residents and commuters, are being harmed by this stay away. We must find common ground now.” The premier said.
Western Cape Minister of Mobility Ricardo Mackenzie said the withdrawal of mini-bus taxi services since Thursday has had a devastating impact on the province.
“As a result of the strike, 287,420 learners have not been able to attend school across the province since the sudden stayaway was called,” Mackenzie said, adding that more than 9,000 teachers and staff were also prevented from going to work.
The strike and associated violence severely affected health services, with many healthcare facilities have been forced to operate at reduced capacity and suspending provision of services and attending only to emergency cases.
JN/APA