Mosebenzi Zwane, the chair of the Portfolio Committee on Transport, called on leaders in the taxi industry to work with the government to apply the Covid 19 rules.
Zwane said it is worrying that a number of taxis from the Western Cape continue to operate despite clear communications and government directives that everyone should stay home.
“The committee wants to emphasize the government’s order that everyone should stay at home. We understand that there is a need for people to travel over the Easter weekend, but this is not possible at this stage. The priority for all industries should be to flatten the curve of the infection rate. “
Many minibus taxis from Cape Town were stopped in Aberdeen in the Karoo. Pres. Cyril Ramaphosa announced a two-week extension of the overall seclusion period on Thursday.
Zwane said the priority should be to save people’s lives, no matter what urgent business needs to take place in the Eastern Cape.
“The president reiterated that it is important to stay home and the consequences are clear because the country has seen a decline in the number of positive test results since the secession period began,” Zwane added.
He said if compliance with the seclusion rules meant confiscating permits, it should be done as long as the seclusion period continued.
“The government has made available an emergency relief fund for the taxi industry. The situation is only a temporary measure and industry leaders must clearly convey the government’s message. To curb the infection rate, people need to stay home and restrict their movement. ”
