The decision follows a briefing to Cabinet by Provincial MEC for Transport, Community Safety and Liaison, Willies Mchunu, which made it clear that urgent intervention was needed to ensure long-lasting peace and stability in the taxi industry.
During the briefing to Cabinet, Mchunu highlighted problems ranging from the killing of taxi operators, lawlessness in the taxi industry, conflict over routes, power struggles over the control of associations and the increase of taxi fares.
Mchunu also shared with Cabinet a number of interventions by his department in the affected areas. However, he highlighted that despite the interventions, the problems persist.
"Our position has always been very clear -- that where there are problems, let's all engage and find solutions. Violence will not resolve differences, instead it deepens divisions and complicates the situation.
"We think it's high time we looked for extraordinary measures to address instability in the taxi industry. We affirm our commitment to ensuring peace and stability in this sector," said Mchunu.
KwaZulu-Natal Premier Dr Zweli Mkhize welcomed the report on the taxi industry and emphasised the need to attend to the matter urgently. He also condemned the instability affecting the taxi industry.
"We cannot afford to have the taxi industry being [wrecked] by so much havoc. We need to engage everyone involved and make sure we stabilise the taxi industry in the best interest of commuters and the people of KwaZulu-Natal," said Mkhize.
Cabinet has since directed the Department of Transport to work out logistical arrangements for the taxi imbizo and the department will soon announce the details.
