Mini-bus taxi ‘stay away’: Two buses torched in Khayelitsha

Commuters across Cape Town have been left stranded as the mini-bus taxi industry on Thursday commenced with a six-day “stay away”.

Golden Arrow Bus Service confirmed two of their vehicles were torched in the midst of what has been described as “protests” in specific areas.

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TWO BUSES SET ALIGHT AS TAXI ‘STAY AWAY’ CAUSES DISRUPTIONS

The bus company’s spokesperson Bronwen Dyke-Beyer said, “Golden Arrow can confirm that two of our buses were set alight this morning in Khayelitsha and that a bus driver sustained a gun shot wound to his leg and is receiving medical attention.

“The situation remains volatile and we are therefore operating our Nyanga services from Borcherds Quarry. Khayelitsha services are operating from Mew Way Bridge and Corners of Spine Road and N2,” she said.

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The City of Cape Town has temporarily suspended its MyCiti services in Khayelitsha as commuters are forced to find alternative means of transportation.

South African National Taxi Council (Santaco) Western Cape and eight associations affiliated to the council embarked on a “stay away” until 9 August 2023, following a dead lock on talks with local government officials.

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In a statement, Santaco WC said, “During this stay-away there will be no march or any form of protests that will take place. All operations will stop and we have urged our operators to refrain from any acts of violence and threatening behaviour.”

OFFICIALS SEARCHING FOR SOLUTIONS

Western Cape MEC for Mobility, Ricardo Mackenzie said, “I sincerely hope that SANTACO-WC will come back to the table so that we can get the work of the minibus taxi task team back on track.

“It is disappointing that industry leadership chose to suspend its participation in the task team, which was created in good faith to put our heads together and make progress on the pressing issues facing the industry.

“The solutions are not simple or instant, but we are tackling them regardless. Our Mobility Department is working hard alongside City officials to resolve ongoing challenges where the availability of operating licences has not enabled operations to meet the demand for transport,” he said.

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As it stands mini-bus taxi’s in Cape Town and the surrounds are expected to resume operations on 10 August 2023.

Dyke-Beyer said, “Our intention is to continue to operate on all routes with diversions in place. Unfortunately, we will not be able to confirm whether each scheduled bus will operate as it normally does but our aim is to provide as much coverage as possible. We will continue to operate until as many passengers as possible have been assisted. Delays are to be expected.”