Codeta seeks urgent court application

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GEORGE NEWS AND VIDEO - The Codeta Disadvantanged Taxi Association, George, says it is applying for an urgent court application to overturn a court order granted to the George Municipality against the association in December.

It was granted by the High Court of South Africa Western Cape Division Cape Town to the George municipality on 21 December and served on Codeta on Monday (10 January).

Arnold Pietersen, chairperson of the association in George, told George Herald that its taxi owners and drivers were ordered to vacate the George taxi rank, as it is municipal property. He says the order also makes provision that Codeta not be allowed to operate in George.

About 60 members of Codeta gathered at the George municipal buildings early yesterday, Wednesday 12 January, demanding an audience with Mayor Leon van Wyk and Acting Municipal Manager Dr Michele Gratz.

The atmosphere was calm, but police kept a watchful eye and negotiated with the Codeta leadership.

Pietersen said the police wanted to know the reason for the gathering. "The police made certain suggestions to make sure the situation does not turn bad. We told them it's not that we don't want to follow the court order. We were given advice to make an urgent court application to overturn the December order."

Video: Members of Codeta in George

Nearly 60 taxis are affected. The interdict also affects commuters and taxi drivers. According to Pietersen, Codeta has until 25 January to file counter arguments, and have already started work on the application.

He stressed that Codeta still want to speak to Van Wyk and Gratz. "It's important for them to understand how we feel. We want answers."

Chantèl Edwards-Klose, communications manager of George Municipality, earlier said the matter is in the legal domain and the municipality is not able to divulge any information on the legal action taken.

Photo gallery: Members of Codeta gather in town

The interdict applies to taxis who continue to service routes without the necessary operating licences in contravention of the national legislation regulating the public transport industry.

Members of Codeta George at the George Municipality on Wednesday.
Photos: Eugene Gunning