Minister Carlisle Addresses Massive Taxi Prayer Meeting in Nyanga

Robin Carlisle, the Minister of Transport and Public Works in the Western Cape, has called the prayer meeting at Nyanga Taxi Rank in Cape Town this morning "an historic occasion in the public transport sector".

More than 5 000 members of the taxi industry met at the Nyanga Taxi Rank this morning to pledge peace in the industry and, in particular, between the mother bodies of Cata and Codeta. Over 200 members of the cloth joined in the prayers for, and celebration of, peace.

"I would like to salute the taxi industry for this landmark event, which came on top of a two-year murder-free period in the industry, which has not occurred since the 1980s," Minister Carlisle said.

"I would also like to acknowledge business leader Graeme Power, one of the number of key luminaries who were present, who played a significant role in brokering the peace agreement between Cata and Codeta."

"In addition, Advocate Dumisa Ntsebeza, whose commission into taxi violence seven years ago laid down many of the ground rules that my administration has been implementing since 2009, deserves accolades."

In his speech to the thousands present, Minister Carlisle said that "peace in the industry has been one of the highest priorities for my ministry".

"I would like to urge the industry to extend your peace efforts to saving the lives of the 240 passengers who die in taxi crashes each year - I urge you to make this your next big step," the minister continued.

Minister Carlisle also told those present that his ministry was prepared to erect a memorial at the taxi rank marking the occasion of the massive prayer meeting.