GEORGE NEWS - Some members of the taxi industry are not happy about the restrictions placed on their operating times.

The National Minister of Transport, Fikile Mbalula, announced at an inter-ministerial briefing yesterday, Wednesday 25 March, that taxis will only be allowed to operate from 05:00 to 09:00 and again from 16:00 to 20:00 during the 21-day lockdown.

George chairperson of Uncedo taxi association, Wselele Mbudede, told George Herald this morning they are not happy.

According to him it will influence the taxi industry negatively. “What about the people that have to perform duties between 09:00 and 16:00?" he asked.

He also expressed concern about the implications this would have for those who cannot go to buy food and other essentials during the prescribed times.

He said Uncedo might contact government to talk about the challenges the industry faces in this situation.

Xolisani Booi, chairman of the George Community Forum, said they accept the minister’s announcement as it is about the safety of the community. "We will respect it and obey the rules.”

However, he said, the industry, as other business, is affected by the lockdown and he finds it worrying that there has been no indication from government as to how the taxi industry will be helped.

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