The North West Department of Community Safety and Transport Management MEC, Wessels Morweng, has instructed law enforcement authorities to clamp down on illegal taxi operators, commonly known as “seven-seater operators”.
This follows a shutdown by taxi operators affiliated with the South African National Taxi Council, which brought the Mahikeng CBD to a standstill, affecting businesses and schooling.
The taxi operators are complaining about the mushrooming of illegal ranks where unlicensed taxi operators transport passengers.
According to the operators, these illegal operations are affecting their businesses, as some commuters are utilising their services, much to the detriment of legal operators.
Morweng received a memorandum of demands from taxi operators who blockaded all entrances to the Mahikeng CBD today.
“Government must be decisive in this matter. Those seven-seaters are not permitted to operate; the legislation makes it clear that they are operating illegally.
“We are going to visit all those self-made taxi ranks where they operate and ensure that they cease operations with immediate effect,” warned Morweng.
Morweng cautioned that such law enforcement operations will not only be conducted in Mahikeng, but across the province.
Passengers who utilise illegal operators have also been warned and implored to use official taxi ranks, as they are not legally protected in the event of accidents.
The MEC says the taxi industry must be supported, as it is facing difficult challenges, including a poor economy and high fuel prices, among others.
“The taxi industry is discharging duties on behalf of the government. That is why we need to ensure that the environment is conducive for them.
“Now they are complaining about their economic situation, which is being worsened by these seven-seaters,” said Morweng.
The MEC also highlighted that he will engage with the seven-seater operators to hear their side of the story.
