MEC calls on taxi industry and public transport operators to comply with Covid-19 regulations
GAUTENG’s MEC for public transport, Jacob Mamabolo, has condemned the actions of an overloaded minibus taxi driver whose vehicle overturned along the M1 in Johannesburg on Tuesday morning.
The minibus taxi, from the Ennerdale Taxi Association, was allegedly carrying 15 passengers.
The Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport said passengers suffered various injuries during the accident.
“We strongly condemn this behaviour by the taxi driver and call on law enforcement agencies to enforce the regulations without fear or favour. The driver must face the full might of the law for contravening regulations,” said Mamabolo.
He added that the flouting of regulations by the taxi driver displayed “little regard” for the lives of passengers.
Mamabolo said such conduct was unacceptable as government had consulted the taxi industry on the regulations governing the sector, which were announced by Transport Minister Fikile Mbalula.
The MEC called on the taxi industry and public transport operators to comply with the Covid-19 regulations, adding that disregarding the regulations would have consequences.
“The regulations that are in place, especially for this period, are there to protect the lives of the people. Anyone who shows disregard for the regulations is definitely not assisting our efforts to flatten the curve and stop the spread of Covid-19,” said Mamabolo.
On Monday, Health Minister Zweli Mkhize announced that the Covid-19 death toll in South Africa had increased to 12, while the number of confirmed infections in the country stood at 1 686.
The country is halfway through its 21-day lockdown, with restrictions on all sectors, including public transport operators, that include ferrying of fewer passengers.
– African News Agency
