Minister Carlisle Sends Stern Warning to Taxi Industry | Western Cape Government

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Minister Carlisle Sends Stern Warning to Taxi Industry

10 August 2011

Robin Carlisle, the Minister for Transport and Public Works in the Western Cape, has said that for the past 18 months "there has not been a single death in taxi-related violence in the Western Cape".

The Minister was addressing members of the South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO) at the Nyanga Taxi Rank this morning where, as part of the taxi industry's Hlokomela Campaign, a cheque was handed over to a production company that had entertained 200 gogos, or grannies, on National Women's Day on Tuesday.

The cheque was part of SANTACO's Hlokomela ("We care" in Sotho) Campaign, whose goal it is to "change the face of the taxi industry".

"I believe that yours is the most important industry in South Africa", Minister Carlisle said.

"It came out of poverty and oppression in a time when you were hounded by the authorities. Without subsidies or handouts, you created a great business built on personal responsibility and hard work."

"It is therefore a great pleasure for me to see that this industry, which has much potential, is determined to improve its image."

"I want to say to you that I support the Hlokomela Campaign and will do everything in my power to help improve your image. I am delighted that after so many years of violence in the industry there has not been a single taxi-related murder for the last 18 months."

However, the Minister cautioned that "in any business you are only as good as the people that deal with the public on your behalf".

"As long as there are taxi drivers that continue to break the rules of the road and put the lives of innocent passengers, pedestrians, cyclists and other motorists in danger, the promise of your Hlokomela Campaign will not be met. Sort your bad drivers out, or we will sort them out for you."

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