120 Uncedo taxis hold peaceful protest, paralyse CBD

GEORGE NEWS - The Uncedo Taxi Association launched a massive albeit peaceful protest through the streets of George this morning to hand over a memorandum to both George Municipality and the provincial traffic office in George.

Taxi drivers gathered in rainy conditions at the four-way stop at the entrance of Thembalethu from around 07:00.

More than 120 taxis filled the two lanes as they prepared to march along Nelson Mandela Boulevard to the municipal building and the traffic office in York Street.

The procession was escorted by multiple policing vehicles and riot gear was donned when the protesters reached the municipality.

PHOTO GALLERY: Uncendo taxi protest photo gallery

The protest concluded without any incidents, except the blocking of traffic which at one point completely paralysed the CBD.

After signing the memorandum for the provincial traffic office. From left are deputy march coordinator Tito Nyakazi and provincial traffic chief officer in George Quinton Williams.

Uncedo raised several matters of concern. Members say they have encountered challenges obtaining intertown and long-distance route permits.

They point out that permits are necessary to accommodate the growing influx of people into the George municipal area.

The association feels that competition regulations between transport modes are unclear, and requests exclusive route permits for its operators.

Additionally, Uncedo has expressed frustration with how their vehicles are handled by traffic officers, especially when vehicles are impounded.

They request that the release of impounded vehicles be permitted up until 17:00 daily and that someone is available to assist with this process.

Despite the rain, protesters took to the streets to stand up for what they believe.

Uncedo members allege that their vehicles are often driven recklessly by officers who do not have a valid professional driving permit (PrDP), and that officers confiscate drivers' personal items, such as cellphones, during impoundments.

They also report incidents where traffic officers have fired shots at vehicles while passengers were on board.

Uncedo requests a formal platform for regular engagement between the taxi industry and both provincial and municipal traffic services.

They also seek clarification on off-route laws, as their vehicles are sometimes impounded even when parked at a garage or roadside.

The procession was escorted by a heavy police presence, but in the end the march concluded peacefully and without incident.

They also expressed concerns about the lengthy waiting times for court dates in cases where they cannot afford impoundment fees. The final request was for a review of the George Integrated Public Transport Network (GIPTN) contract.

Uncedo gave the municipality and provincial traffic office 7 to 14 days to respond.

The memorandum intended for the municipality was received by George Speaker Sean Snyman, Acting Municipal Manager Godfrey Louw and Director of Community Services Dawie Adonis.

Uncedo expressed anger when Mayor Jackie von Brandis - who is recovering from a surgery – was not present to receive it, but it was signed by both Snyman and Louw.

The memorandum for the provincial traffic office was received and signed by traffic chief Quinton Williams. Both recipients said that they have taken note of the concerns raised by Uncedo and assured them that these issues will be dealt with within the deadline.

The more than 120 taxis that took part in the Uncedo protest seemed endless and blocked traffic wherever it went.