Gauteng Transport MEC Kedibone Diale-Tlabela says a meeting with the South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO) has paved the way for minibus taxi services in Ekurhuleni to resume.

SANTACO halted operations Thursday afternoon in most areas, including Germiston, Vosloorus, Katlehong and Kempton Park.

The stayaway was implemented after police and the Ekurhuleni Metro Police impounded taxis they regarded as unroadworthy.

Backlogs

Diale-Tlabela has acknowledged that there are backlogs on their side when it comes to issuing permits to taxi operators.

Ekurhuleni residents were left stranded for two days following protest action by the South African National Taxi Council (Santaco) affiliated taxi operators. They were not happy with the impounding of their vehicles.

The strike has been halted since Friday afternoon.

Diale-Tlabela has held a joint media briefing with all the parties involved and says they are working on addressing their concerns.

She warns that no one should be intimidated in the process. “We are trying to make sure that everybody is structured. I am confident as an MEC that very soon conflicts will be a thing of the past. Illegal operations will be forgotten in Gauteng. Motorists will not be harassed.

“That’s the determination of all of us. Private citizens will not be harassed. No one has the right to stop you and take your children out of your car. They also have children.”