Passengers travelling from Elim to Gauteng were left stranded at the Elim Shopping Complex for a whole day last week because of a dispute that had ensued between the Elim Hlanganani Long and Short Distance Taxi Association and City to City Buses. The taxi association accused the City to City company of failing to comply with certain agreed-upon rules for operating.
On Friday, 26 May, the taxi association held a peaceful protest, but consequently, scores of passengers were stuck at the shopping complex from morning until afternoon with more than 50 security personnel from the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (Prasa).
Earlier this year, the taxi association, Njaka Njaka Tribal Council, Prasa and members of the Waterval Police Station held a meeting where a new rule was implemented, permitting only two buses from each bus company to operate outside the shopping complex until 08:30. This decision was made after taxi companies had complained that they were struggling to get passengers because of all the buses.
Members of the taxi association now say that the City to City company is still using more than two buses.
Mr Abie Khosa, a member of the Elim Taxi Association, told Limpopo Mirror that they had prevented the City to City buses from operating as they had not adhered to the new terms. "But Prasa was arrogant; they stated that they would operate according to their permits. We tried to engage with them, along with the police, but they remained obstinate," he said.
Following the resolution, the buses resumed their services under the agreement that, from Saturday (27 May) onwards, only two buses would operate outside the complex until 08:30.
Mr Thabo Makhuvele, one of the passengers who was left stranded, voiced his dissatisfaction about missing work because of the situation. "I had no choice but to stay at the complex from morning to afternoon, since I had already purchased a ticket," he said.
The chairperson of the traditional council, Mr Vicky Muvhali, emphasised the need for collaboration and their support of the new strategy that is being implemented. "We will have another meeting on 9 June to continue resolving the problem," he said.
Prasa spokesperson Ms Andiswa Makanda said they were not in any position to comment on the matter, pending legal processes. "Once finalised, we will share a detailed account of the situation. The safety of our staff, assets and passengers remains our number one and unwavering priority. We have engaged with the necessary structures to ensure that our assets, passengers and general public are safeguarded and that all operators comply with the legal requirements," she said.