MEC for Transport and Logistics in Gauteng, Kedibone Diale-Tlabela will shortly publish a notice in the Provincial Gazette announcing the closure of the affected NANDUWE and WATA taxi ranks and routes in Soweto.
This will be done in terms of Section 91 of the National Land Transport Act.
MEC spokesman Lesiba Mpya said the decision was taken following the recent resurgence of violence between Soweto's two taxi associations, the Nancefield-Dube West Taxi Association (Nanduwe) and the Witwatersrand Taxi Association (Wata), which has also jeopardised the safety of passengers, residents and the public.
This happened after the taxi associations disputed each other's routes. Wata subsequently suspended its services on Monday morning, 8 April. Their spokesman Hamilton Miya said that they plan to suspend their services for 3 days.
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Diale-Tlabela: "I am committed to ensuring that public transport is safe, and that the population is not forced to live in a stranglehold of violence. Public transport is there to ensure that commuters can travel safely from home to work and back."
Mpya said police are keeping a close eye on what is happening in Soweto, especially on the routes in Zone 9 between Central Western Jabavu and Orlando West.
He also said that the department has also noted with concern the suspension of public transport services in Zola, a route that is not affected by the tension between WATA and Nanduwe.
Commuters are advised to use alternative means of public transport such as the Metrorail, Rea Vaya and other buses.
Diale-Tlabela has recognised the efforts of the leadership of the National Taxi Alliance, the umbrella body of both associations, to promote peace and is committed to stability in the region.
