The South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO) has informed the public of the unanimous decision to not pursue a nationwide strike, after meetings with governmental officials and various stakeholders.
In a Twitter announcement today, 31 March 2020, SANTACO stated, “The meeting has unanimously resolved that [the] taxi industry will not embark on a nationwide strike. Taxis will be expected to operate as per revised regulations that [have] now raised loading capacity to 70 percent. We still want to maintain social distancing while operators at least break even.”
Concerns were raised after President Cyril Rampahosa stipulated that each taxi was to only transport less than 50 percent of its capacity, meaning that only three to four passengers were allowed per trip. The taxi association believed that the regulations would result in drivers not being able to earn sufficient income to see them through the 21-day lockdown.
SANTACO further stated, “Much as there are areas of discontent on transportation of essential services, we believe there can never be a problem bigger than COVID-19. We commit to rallying behind government’s efforts and intend to continue offering these services despite problems.” SANTACO has ordered all taxi associations to continue to provide the essential service and not to initiate any form of strike action.
See the posts below.
The meeting has unanimously resolved that taxi industry will NOT embark on a nationwide strike. Taxis will be expected to operate as per revised regulations that now raised loading capacity to 70%. We still want to maintain social distancing while operators at least break even
— SANTACO (@SA_Taxis) March 31, 2020
Much as there are areas of discontent on transportation of essential services, we believe there can never be a problem bigger than covid19. We commit to rally behind govt efforts and intend to continue offering these services despite problems.
— SANTACO (@SA_Taxis) March 31, 2020
In light of the decision taken by SANTACO, we expect the leadership to engage with it's structures to continue providing essential services @JacaNews @jacarandafm https://t.co/2L69PODKI5
— SANTACO (@SA_Taxis) March 31, 2020
Depending on seating capacity of a taxi for instance, a 15 seater will take 10 while a 23 seater will take 15 https://t.co/UCtAND1cTJ
— SANTACO (@SA_Taxis) March 31, 2020
Sayushka Naidoo
s.naidoo@politicalanalysis.co.za
