The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Transport, Mr Donal Selamolela, has called on taxi associations to ensure that opportunistic criminal elements are not allowed to tarnish their reputations.

Mr Selamolela condemned the alleged shooting that claimed the lives of two e-hailing drivers and the burning of vehicles at Maponya Mall in Soweto. “We expect members of taxi associations to conduct themselves as responsible, law-abiding citizens. Incidents like the one on Wednesday fuel stereotypes portraying the minibus-taxi industry as unruly and criminal,” he said.

He urged operators to uphold standards befitting a multibillion-rand industry and to maintain its viability and sustainability. Associations, he added, should engage constructively with other role players in the transport sector, rather than allowing individual owners or operators to resort to violence in disputes.

According to media reports, taxi operators and e-hailing drivers were involved in a confrontation at Maponya Mall during which firearms were allegedly discharged, resulting in fatalities. Mr Selamolela described the incident as regrettable, particularly at a time when government efforts, under the leadership of Minister Barbara Creecy and Deputy Minister Mkhuleko Hlengwa, are focused on reforming and improving the minibus-taxi industry.

“E-hailing services meet a specific market demand; they are not intended to replace traditional taxi operations. There is no justification for conflict. This is the message that must be communicated clearly throughout the associations,” Mr Selamolela said.

He emphasised that commuters should be free to choose the transport services they prefer. “Taxi operations are an enduring feature of South African public transport. There is no need for operators to feel insecure about their businesses. The 7th administration maintains an open-door policy, and we encourage operators to bring their concerns directly to the committee,” he concluded.