Jacques Moolman, president of the Cape Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
It is ludicrous for some in the Cape Town taxi industry to use violence against their competitors. Not only does it scare off potential paying passengers, it creates a vicious cycle negatively affecting the entire city economy – not least the taxi sector itself.
Efficient, affordable and safe public transport is essential for any economy. Cape Town’s taxi industry plays a crucial role, especially since the railways have been appallingly mismanaged.
Lack of transport means no freedom of movement. This prevents people getting to and from work. It affects production, profitability, business closure, job losses, tax collection, local government welfare programmes – like ripples in a pond.
The costs are almost incalculable. A solution has to be found urgently, not least in the interests of the taxi industry itself.