Residents of Masiphumelele say they are scared after taxi drivers physically removed them from staff transport and forced them to take taxis.
They say since last Tuesday they were told by Cape Amalgamated Taxi Association (Cata) members in Fish Hoek that they will no longer allow staff transport, children over 12 must take public taxis while private cars can’t carry more than three passengers.
On Wednesday a hand written notice was distributed in the area, stating that following a meeting held by the taxi association, they have decided that only Cata taxis may drive residents.
“Only school transport will be allowed and they will not overload and that only applies to children under the age of 12.”
A 41-year-old commuter tells the Daily Voice that he was one of many removed from company vehicles and ordered to take public transport.
“It was chaotic. On Wednesday they allowed children to take private transport, but only primary school learners and everyone else had to take taxis,” he says.
“Some people have to pay R10 to get to Fish Hoek so they can take staff transport there where there is no trouble.”
He says residents trying to earn a living transporting children and workers are being monitored by Cata.
Cata spokesman Andile Seyamo says they are aware of the situation: “We are waiting for answers from the Fish Hoek branch because the region has not been consulted about that.”
Transport and Public Works spokesperson Ntomboxolo Makoba-Somdaka says they will have a meeting this week with Cata.
“We saw this last week. The minister got angry and called the leaders of the taxi associations. ”