Commuters unite

GEORGE NEWS - Taxi commuters and community members of Thembalethu have embarked on a campaign throughout the township to put an end to Uncedo taxi drivers' recklessness on the road.

The commuters are conducting meetings with Uncedo bosses in all Thembalethu's zones to hear the grievances of community members and be informed of the challenges Uncedo faces as the only public transport system in Thembalethu.

These meetings follow many allegations of reckless driving by Uncedo taxi drivers, such as not obeying street signs, speeding, driving in wrong lines and being rude to both commuters and motorists. Many hit and run incidents involving taxi drivers, as well as incidents where speeding taxis have injured and killed pedestrians, have been reported.

In June this year, a 9-year-old boy died on the way to the George Hospital after he was allegedly run over by a speeding taxi on Youth Day, Saturday 16 June, in Tabata Street in Thembalethu. According to eyewitnesses the boy, who was coming from Phelandaba, was on his way to visit his father in Asazani when he was hit by the taxi while crossing the road. It is alleged that the driver (18) was speeding. The witnesses said the driver took off and didn't stop. This incident angered residents.

On Thursday 20 September, a man (41) was knocked unconscious and another sustained moderate injuries after they were hit by a taxi in Mitchell Street.

These and other, unreported incidents propelled residents to conduct this campaign trying to prevent more killings and accidents.

Community members during the meeting. Photo: Zolani Sinxo

Issues raised

In one of the meetings, held on Tuesday 20 November and chaired by Siphiwo Mathys, the following issues were raised:

• A number of taxi drivers don't have valid driving licences;

• Some vehicles are not roadworthy;

• Some taxi drivers drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs ;

• Drivers run away after an accident;

• Not obeying rules of the road and speeding;

• Being rude to commuters and motorists;

• Drivers are too young - sometimes under 18 years;

• Reckless driving.

Uncedo taxi bosses acknowledged grievances raised and said they are aware of some of the issues. They said they are working very hard to instil discipline in their drivers and asked for the cooperation of the community to help deal with some of the challenges.

The meetings will continue throughout November and it was agreed that a committee of commuters will be elected that will work closely with Uncedo to ensure that the issues are dealt with.

Unfinished road upgrade

The issue of the Nelson Mandela Boulevard upgrade was also discussed in this meeting. Taxi drivers, commuters and other motorists face many obstacles, such as that the road is narrower than expected, has no zebra lines and already has cracks on the surface. The community is also concerned about not receiving feedback from the municipality regarding the progress of the road. George Herald raised this issue with the George Municipality. Municipal spokesperson Chantel Edwards-Klose replied that the municipality is awaiting feedback from the contractor. She said the matter is being dealt with in terms of the General Conditions of Contract, 2015 that requires that the contractor be given the opportunity to respond.

"The site is being kept safe in the meantime as per the contract. No feedback can be given until the contractual obligations have been resolved and addressed," said Edwards-Klose.

Uncedo bosses addressing community members.