Gauteng Transport MEC Kedibone Diale-Tlabela has issued a firm warning to the taxi industry, stating authorities will not tolerate operators dictating what mode of transport commuters must use. This declaration comes amid ongoing high tensions in Soweto following a deadly attack at Maponya Mall that claimed the life of an e-hailing driver.
The MEC’s comments were made during a televised interview where she detailed the government’s response to the recent violence. The incident, which occurred earlier this week, resulted in the death of 27-year-old Siyanda Mthokozisi Mvelase, an e-hailing driver who was shot and his vehicle set alight. Two others were injured and are still recovering.
In response, a multi-stakeholder team involving 16 organizations, including taxi associations, e-hailing representatives, mall management, and law enforcement, has been established to find a lasting solution.
“The taxi industry now knows that we will not accept a situation where they want to choose for people on which mode of transport they must use,” MEC Diale-Tlabela stated emphatically. She confirmed that major associations like SANTACO and the Gauteng MTA have denounced the violent acts.
Key Government Interventions:
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Peace Commitments: The MEC reported that all parties have committed to ending the violence and are utilizing a platform created by Maponya Mall management to facilitate dialogue.
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Compliance Drive: A critical part of the de-escalation plan is ensuring e-hailing drivers are compliant with licensing laws. The Department of Roads and Transport has fast-tracked the opening of a help desk and smart licensing center at Maponya Mall to assist drivers with registration and application issues. The MEC reported an increase in drivers coming forward for assistance.
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Law Enforcement Presence: A dedicated team of law enforcement officers is now on-site at hotspots like Maponya Mall and Southgate Mall to monitor the situation and prevent further conflict.
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Addressing the Root Cause: The MEC acknowledged a “huge gap” between the agreements made by provincial taxi leaders and the reality on the ground. She pledged that her department would be meeting with local organizations in townships every Monday to bridge this divide and enforce the message of peaceful coexistence.
Despite these measures, the central issue of route access remains. The MEC assured that both taxis and e-hailing services would be allowed to operate and drop off passengers at the mall, with a specific holding area identified for e-hailing vehicles.
Meanwhile, the investigation into the murder of Siyanda Mthokozisi Mvelase and the attack on others is ongoing. The MEC confirmed that police are still investigating and will provide an update in due course.
As the community prepares to lay Mvelase to rest, the government’s message is clear: commuter choice is non-negotiable, and violence will not be tolerated in resolving industry disputes.