SANTACO desperate for lasting solution to Gauteng taxi violence

CAPE TOWN - The South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO) is desperate for a lasting solution to the ongoing taxi violence in Gauteng.
 
A prayer session was held in Soweto on Thursday, calling for an end to the turmoil.
 
Since the end of March, a number of people, including passengers, have lost their lives.
 
Gauteng Transport MEC Kedibone Diale-Tlabela warned that taxi ranks would be shut down to address the issues surrounding taxi violence.
 
SANTACO Gauteng Chairperson, Midday Mali: "As the industry, SANTACO here in Gauteng, the Department fo Transport, particularly MEC Kedibone Diale-Tlabela saying she's going to close the rank for six months, we don't have any option as long as it will bring a lasting solution to the conflict."
 
Mali said that the closure of ranks would, however, badly impact both commuters and taxi operators.

"The intention of government in Gauteng isn't just to say let's look into the issue of closing the ranks. After closing the ranks, what is going to happen, what is the process that is unfolding because not all the operators are involved in the killings."