Western Cape MEC compromised in taxi violence affair - statement by UDM Western Cape Provincial Chairperson
(6 April 2005)The UDM notes with dismay that the recent taxi-related violence in the Western Cape has continued without either the MEC for Safety and Security or the MEC for Transport succeeding in resolving the matter.
The UDM has been informed by stakeholders in the taxi industry that there is growing concern that the inability of the MECs to resolve the matter may be related to conflicts of interests, since both the MECs have direct relatives who operate within the taxi industry. MEC Ramatlakane has a brother who is a taxi owner, whilst MEC Skwatsha's father is also said to be a taxi owner.
This constitutes a clear conflict of interest for both the MECs. The UDM therefore calls upon the Western Cape Premier to intervene directly in this matter to resolve the continuing violence which has threatened the lives and disrupted the transport of thousands of Western Cape commuters.
