The EFF has accused JP Smith of instigating taxi violence and exasperating 'the already volatile situation'. It also blamed the City for failing to deal with 'taxi operators’ concerns'.
Protests are the result of retaliation by taxi drivers demanding that the City of Cape Town’s Law Enforcement release impounded cars. According to mayco member for safety and security JP Smith, 37 taxis and Amaphelas were impounded on Thursday afternoon.On Friday, Smith took to social media to share a very clear message: “Let us just be clear. We did not start this battle. But we will finish it.
Now, EFF members in the Cape Metro have called for the immediate release of all impounded taxis, accusing the DA-led City’s operations as a “money-making scheme”.
“JP Smith took to social media, characterising taxi drivers and operators as ‘taxi-terrorists’ who are operating like mafia style. The utterances that have been made by him could result in a major social crisis that would threaten the lives and livelihood of commuters who rely on public transportation. Taxi violence could especially threaten the lives and livelihood of the working class, particularly the poor,” the party added.
Smith says: “There is no need for violence that follows our enforcement operations as that is what we have mandated to do and what the public expects.”The EFF added that the City has failed to deal with taxi operators’ concerns. Further, it states that the protests are a result of the City needing to “fix its traffic department systems effectively to enable taxi owners to get their operating licences and permits on time.
“Additionally, once all permits and operating licenses have been issued, it is imperative that the City executives and the taxi associations conduct regular meetings to ensure an effective, working…relationship,” the party adds.
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