Getting commuters to their destinations safely, using a quality public transport system, is the impetus behind a move to unite rival taxi factions in Alex.

The two Alexandra-based taxi associations have been fighting over new routes for a long time

THE two main taxi associations operating out of Alexandra, the Alexandra Taxi Association (ATA) and the Alexandra Randburg Midrand Sandton Taxi Association (Armsta), have agreed to merge in an effort to better serve the greater Alexandra community.

This decision follows a meeting between the greater Alexandra community and the City of Johannesburg; the Gauteng departments of public transport, roads and works, and community safety; and provincial and local taxi associations at a transport summit on 15 to 17 August in Rustenburg, North West Province.

Of particular concern to the 200 delegates was the lack of transformation in the transport industry serving the greater Alexandra area and the incidences of violence, including the attacks on foreigners, which are a regular occurrence for township residents.

"United in our commitment to a prosperous and safe Alexandra township in which we all live, work and commute freely and without fear, we have agreed that ATA and Armsta will dissolve within 14 months of this summit, that is by the end of October 2009," the summit declaration stated.

The statement was read by the MEC for public transport, roads and works, Ignatius Jacobs, during a press conference held at the department's head office in Simmonds Street, central Joburg, on 18 August.

The taxi industry in Alexandra is community-based and has been associated with sporadic violence since the late 1980s. In the past, the two rival taxi groups have fought over new taxi routes, often leading to a loss of life.

Buti Mahlangu, from the Gauteng Taxi Council (Gataco), said this was only the case where new developments took place as old taxi routes were well regulated by the provincial department.

Just taxis
An estimated 200 000 people commute in and out of the township daily, by means of taxis or private vehicles. Taxis are the only mode of public transport available to Alex residents after the bus sector, particularly Putco, was forcefully ejected by the taxi industry.

"Public transport must be a mode of choice not a mode of force," Jacobs stressed.

In its place, the department wanted to initiate a quality transport system, based not only on taxis but also on buses and rail.  "We also want to provide a quality taxi service," Jacobs added.

Delegates were of the opinion that the taxi industry had not fully tapped into the many opportunities for business and growth.

"Within three months of this summit we will have formed a representative Greater Alexandra Public Transport Forum that shall champion our vision of a transformed public transport system in Alexandra and surrounds," the summit declaration added.

Condemning xenophobia
Summit delegates also added their voices to the chorus condemning violence against foreigners. "They pledged their support to ensure there will be no more killings," confirmed Jacobs.

In May this year, violent attacks on foreigners broke out in Alex; the unrest subsequently spread to other parts of the city and country.

"We commit to do everything in our power to ensure that these and other forms of violence never take place again and that, if there should ever be an upsurge, we will all condemn the same without fear or favour," the declaration affirmed.

The declaration was signed by the Alexandra Taxi Association, the Alexandra Randburg Midrand Sandton Taxi Association, the Gauteng Taxi Council, the Gauteng National Taxi Alliance, the South African National Civic Organisation, and the Gauteng department of transport, roads and works.

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