The South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO) announced a one-week provincial shutdown starting Thursday, August 3 after failing to resolve various issues with the local government in Cape Town.
The tussle between the people and the police erupted in different parts of Cape Town after the police began impounding vehicles following a new municipal law that gave local authorities the power to implement the law on drivers without licenses or registration plates.
Archbishop Brislin found it unfortunate that the chaos had caused untold hardship and destabilization for many communities across the city and its environs. He acknowledged the right to protest but said that demonstrations should be done in appropriate circumstances.
He said the recent taxi strike was dominated by violence, intimidation, and destruction of property besides crippling the daily activities in the affected area, including school and work attendance, especially for the vulnerable.
“We are concerned that commuters were prevented from using alternate transport and that, reportedly, in some situations, children were involved in acts of violence,” the Archbishop said.
The Local Ordinary of Cape Town Archdiocese added, “Reports indicate that the delivery of basic foods, such as bread, has been disrupted in some places causing greater suffering for those already living in poverty.”
On Thursday, August 10, SANTACO called off the one-week strike after some agreements with the government including the release of vehicles that had been impounded.
In his statement dated August 10, the cardinal elect urged those engaged in the talks to front the needs of the people and the entire community.
“As the delicate negotiations unfold, we accompany those engaged in resolving the situation, with our prayers and appeal to them to avoid power-broking and to seek resolutions for the greater benefit of the community,” Archbishop Brislin said.
Silas Mwale Isenjia is a Kenyan journalist with a great zeal and interest for Catholic Church related communication. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Linguistics, Media and Communication from Moi University in Kenya. Silas has vast experience in the Media production industry. He currently works as a Journalist for ACI Africa.
