CAPE TOWN, October 2 (ANA) – Retired Supreme Court of Appeal Judge Ian Farlam has been appointed by the Western Cape government to mediate in the conflict between minibus taxi operators in the province that turned violent last month, the transport and public works department said on Monday.
“The two minibus taxi groupings, the current SANTACO executive and the so-called Minibus Taxi Industry ‘Task Team’, have both agreed to the appointment of Judge Farlam, as well as to the terms of reference for the mediation process,” Transport and Public Works MEC Donald Grant said.
Grant said Judge Farlam held an introductory meeting with a task team of roleplayers on Monday afternoon.
He is expected to explore the root cause of strife over the election of new leadership in the taxi industry and help to find a long-term solution.
In mid-September, buses were stoned and burning barricades set up over roads around Cape Town as taxi operators went on strike. They were also protesting against the city’s policies on impounding vehicles.
Grant said instability in the taxi industry caused havoc for commuters.
“It is still of concern to me that internal divisions are threatening the stability of the minibus-taxi industry and with it, the means of transport of many citizens in our province. I initiated this mediation process to resolve the impasse between the disputing groups and to chart a way forward that would result in an inclusive and democratic election of new industry leadership.”
Fighting taxi groups agreed to mediation on September 18. Judge Farlam chaired the commission of inquiry into the killing of striking mine workers at Marikana in 2012.
– African News Agency (ANA)
