Santaco calls off taxi strike, resume services

The decision to call of the strike comes after what the taxi council has described as painstaking talks with the City of Cape Town and the provincial government.

The eight-day strike was suspended on Thursday evening after continous deliberations over that Santaco believes to be the unfair impounding of their mini-bus taxis by the city.

At least five people have died while numerous industries were brought to a standstill.

Santaco Chairperson in the Western Cape Mandla Hermanus said they are relieved to be going back to work. 

"It deeply saddens and disappoints us that it took this long for all parties to find a resolution. The well-being of our community and the public at large has always been our top priority, and it pains us to witness the unnecessary pain and suffering that transpired.

"I am pleased to announce that as part of the resolution reached between the taxi industry and the government, there is an agreement that the next 14 days will be utilised to work towards the release of the vehicles that were wrongly impounded. This is a significant step towards restoring trust and operations to their regular state," said Hermanus.

Western Cape Premier Alan Winde also expressed relief, adding that he was angered by violence.

"It is unacceptable and tragic that five people were killed, buses, private vehicles, and property were attacked and burned, and roads were blockaded, and people were cut off from essential services such as health and education. 

"Violence is not how we resolve our issues, and I trust that if this strike has demonstrated anything it is that the way we resolve issues is through engagement and talking," added Winde.

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