City of Cape Town can confirm that the Santaco strike which was scheduled for tomorrow, 22 February 2023 has been called off following a successful meeting between the City, Western Cape Government and Santaco. Read more below:
An agreement to provide the newly appointed Western Cape Minister of Mobility, Mr Ricardo Mckenzie with the necessary time to engage the organisation on the raised issues has been reached. This will also provide the agreed task team with a chance to meet and tackle the initiatives that were discussed.
‘I am extremely pleased that the meeting today has resulted in the looming Santaco taxi strike being called off. As a result of the progress made during today’s engagement, all taxi industry role players are asked to continue with operations as per usual tomorrow. Our people cannot afford disruptions in getting to work and putting food on their tables, and our communities cannot again be exposed to the risk of public violence,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Urban Mobility, Councillor Rob Quintas.
The City of Cape Town and the Western Cape Government will make a sustained effort to engage the leadership and ensure that peaceful and proactive ways are found to address the various obstacles.
‘This will be done in the spirit of open and frank ongoing dialogue, where we as government are able to move forward in regularising the industry, and ensuring a working, integrated public transport system in Cape Town,’ said Quintas
It has been decided that Minister Mackenzie will convene and chair a task team comprised of officials from the Western Cape Government and City, together with the leadership of Santaco, Western Cape.
The City of Cape Town’s Urban Mobility officials will fast track the Special Regulatory Process in consultation with Santaco, and advise the PRE on Operating Licence applications for issuing within the shortest possible timeframe.
The Western Cape Government’s Department of Mobility will work with Santaco to implement a project to register minibus taxi drivers.
Furthermore detailed commitments have been made regarding initiatives that could assist in addressing the various grievances that have been raised by Santaco. Details on these agreements will be communicated as developments are made.
Source: City Of Cape Town