JOHANNESBURG – Rivalry between two taxi associations could halt the heels of development at the Mall of Africa in Midrand.
Opened only a month ago, with the promise of lucrative business and much-needed jobs, the mall has become encircled by battling taxis, putting lives at risk.
The Alexandra, Randburg, Midrand and Sandton Taxi Association – or ARMSTA – says it has been prevented from transporting passengers to the mall from downtown Johannesburg.
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It accuses the Alexandra Taxi Association (ATA) of attempting to enter into its territory by threatening violence.
ARMSTA is laying claim to the route based on a 2013 court ruling prohibiting ATA from picking up passengers to Midrand.
The Transport Department is disputing the ruling, saying the original allocation of routes was irregular.
Nonetheless, one taxi boss has gone to ground, fearing for his and his children’s lives.
Gauteng transport MEC Ismail Vadi has called on the taxi associations to end the battle, threatening closure if the ranks if conflict persists.
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