Update

GEORGE NEWS - The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) in the Southern Cape region said it is not taking any disciplinary action against, Cornelius Esau, a member of their Regional Command Team, nor do they have plans to suspend him at this stage. This comes after Esau and Hendrick Phillips were arrested on 11 December 2018 on charges relating to the distribution of a fraudulent letter stating that the George Municipality will be issuing new taxi operating permits.

The EFF will further stand by Esau and support the march that he and Phillips are planning against the George Municipality's moratorium on the issuing of new taxi permits, which has been in effect since 2009. Esau recently announced that he and Phillips are planning "the biggest march by a taxi industry that George has ever seen", under the banner of the George Huurmotorvereniging (GHV).

Hein Scheepers, Southern Cape spokesperson of the EFF, said the party is awaiting the outcome of the court case and will make a decision thereafter. "We acknowledge the seriousness of the charges that Esau faces. However, we will wait for the outcome of the court case. At this point we will not hold anything against him. We will not subject him to any disciplinary action. He is still our leader until the court finishes its process," said Scheepers. He added that the "EFF might support the march".

Meanwhile, Welele Mbhudede, chairperson of the biggest local taxi association, Uncedo, told the George Herald that they distance themselves from Esau. "We are not sure whether we want to work with him, because we don't trust his plans following his arrest last year."

Letter
The letter in question, featuring the forged signature of municipal manager Trevor Botha, was brought to the attention of the municipality on 29 November and a case was opened. After Phillips and Esau's arrest, Captain Malcolm Pojie, the Southern Cape police spokesperson, said the suspects allegedly defrauded a number of taxi owners in George and surrounds out of thousands of rand, using a falsified letter they distributed among taxi owners.

The men appeared in the George Magistrate's Court on 12 December and were released on R2 000 bail. Their next court appearance is scheduled for 13 March.

In a press statement released by Esau, he said they welcome their day in court and firmly believe that the law must take its course. "We also want to express the hope that there will be no unnecessary delays by the state." Though Esau didn't want to elaborate about the allegations brought against him, saying the matter is before the court, he denies the allegations and says he was never involved in the writing of a letter or stole anyone's money.

"GHV chairperson, Hendrick Phillips and myself have never stolen a cent from any member of the GHV or from the GHV itself. We also have never sold a permit to any member of the GHV as well as members of the public."

Compete with buses
Esau said another reason for their march is that they want to compete with the GO GEORGE buses.

"Taxis will not disappear. Taxis will be re-introduced in areas such as Pacaltsdorp, Blanco, Rosemoor and Protea Park." He said the moratorium on permits is unlawful and that he would lead evidence to this effect.

Esau said they are consulting with taxi associations in George, Cape Town and the Eastern Cape for the march he intends to stage early this year.