City calling on SANTACO to immediately stop violence, lawlessness

4 August 2023

The ongoing violence and lawlessness associated with the SANTACO strike action is having a severe impact on commuters, as well as City services as some employees cannot get to work, nor attend to service requests in volatile areas. Thousands of people are stranded due to sustained attacks on other public transport services, with incidents of stoning of private vehicles and blockading of major routes. Several City facilities located in volatile areas have been closed until further notice, in the interest of the safety of staff, and to prevent vandalism and attacks on the infrastructure. The City and the Western Cape Government are gathering evidence of damage to infrastructure and incitement of public violence and will not hesitate to approach the courts for relief, including a civil claim for damages. Read more below:

‘The City and partners invite SANTACO to return to talks following their withdrawal last week, but importantly, public violence and intimidation must first cease immediately. There can be no fruitful discussion or negotiation until the violence and intimidation stops.

‘While we respect the right to peaceful protest, violence and intimidation have no place in Cape Town

‘My thanks go to City agencies who are working around the clock to protect commuters, respond to incidents, and provide safety escorts to public transport vehicles. Commuter safety is our number one priority. We will continue to work with the SAPS to uphold the rule of law and hold those guilty of perpetrating public violence accountable,’ said Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis.

Impact on City services

MyCiTi bus service, Dial-a-Ride:

The City is monitoring the MyCiTi bus routes, and areas where the Dial-a-Ride service operates, and will continue to do so for as long as the minibus-taxi strike continues.

At this point in time the worst impacted routes are those operating between the Civic Centre and Mitchells Plain and Khayelitsha; Atlantis; Dunoon; Killarney; Milnerton; and Joe Slovo with the stoning of buses, blocking of roads, burning tyres, and even weapons being pointed at bus drivers. Law Enforcement vehicles are escorting the buses and vehicles on routes that are volatile, and where incidents of violence have been reported. Last night and this morning we have suspended some routes for a few hours, and resumed operations only after calm has been restored.

The situation changes continuously, and the City will keep on suspending and reinstating operations accordingly. Commuters are advised to contact the Transport Information Centre for updates on 0800 65 64 63, the TIC operates 24/7.

Golden Arrow buses also continue to operate but under very high alert and are working closely with Law Enforcement.

‘It is important to note that the main consideration is the safety of commuters, the safety of the bus drivers, and other personnel working in the public transport sphere. We are trying our best to make commuting as safe as possible. We are aware that thousands of commuters are left stranded with few or no alternatives, and we are urging SANTACO to call their members to order, to stop the violence and intimidation, and to refrain from disrupting other public transport services. One has to assume that it has never been SANTACO’s intention to have a peaceful protest and stay-away. It is deplorable how innocent commuters are forced to stay at home, prevented to use other modes of transport, and deprived of earning an income,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Urban Mobility, Councillor Rob Quintas.

Last week SANTACO withdrew from engagements with the City and the Western Cape Government (WCG), and yesterday afternoon SANTACO resolved to immediately cease operations based on what they deem unfair discriminatory practices towards minibus-taxis.

Those who rely on the minibus-taxi industry for commuting are advised to make alternative travel arrangements or arrange to work from home wherever possible in coming days.

We will keep the public informed during coming days as best we can.

Urban Waste Management

The City’s waste services have been affected by the taxi strike. We urge residents not to dump illegally and to please keep waste on their property until the City can clear the backlog. Every effort is being made to ensure services can continue where it is possible and safe to do so. Should services need to be withdrawn temporarily for safety reasons, the City will resume work in affected areas as soon as possible. We urge residents to assist us by cleaning their areas where possible as well as reporting those who dump their waste illegally on 0800 110077, and for every fine and conviction, we will offer you a reward from R1000 up to R5000. The City regrets any inconvenience during this time.

Water and Sanitation services significantly affected

Last night emergency protocols were implemented to attend to emergencies and hotspot areas. As a direct result of roadblocks and traffic congestion, there have been delays across the City in attending to most service requests including repairing pipe bursts, sewer blockages and overflows, accessing pump stations, collecting sludge from wastewater treatment works and water sampling.

As a safety precaution where possible, arrangements have been made for teams to be escorted by security services.

This morning there were additional challenges faced by staff and contractors unable to travel to work from or through hotspot areas such as Khayelitsha, Philippi, Fisantekraal, Dunoon, Witsands and Delft. Affected depots and plants are operational but in many cases running on skeleton staff.

Services to informal settlements have been severely affected as City staff and contractors have been unable to gain access to render ablution services and conservancy tank emptying unable to take place.

Unfortunately there have also been a few reported incidents of vandalism. A City vehicle was burnt down in Joe Slovo and while another was found damaged with shattered windows. At this stage, no staff have been injured and management is closely monitoring the situation.

Residents are assured that City teams will respond to service requests as soon as it is possible and safe to do so.

Our foremost priority is to ensure the safety of the limited staff currently available, thus service delivery will be suspended in identified hot spot areas. The extent of the areas affected may also increase as the day progresses, and likely into the weekend.

Community Services and Health

City Health advises the public that a number of clinics are rendering emergency services only, including all clinics in Khayelitsha, as well as the Gugulethu and Masincedani clinics.

The following clinics are closed: Site C Youth Clinic, Vuyani Clinic, Hanover Park Clinic, Philippi Clinic, as well as the Hazendal and Driftsands satellite clinics.

Clients are advised to postpone clinic visits in affected areas if possible, or visit their nearest alternative facility in their specific area.

All libraries are operating, except Claremont. Any changes will be communicated via the City’s social media channels.

The Recreation and Parks Department has made a decision to close all community Public Viewing Areas (PVAs) for the Netball World Cup until further notice, in the interest of public safety, and to allow for the re-deployment of all services.

The PVAs in Khayelitsha, Langa, Mitchell’s Plain and Bellville South will reopen as soon as the City is satisfied that it can continue providing a safe environment for attendees to partake in the activities at these sites.

Some electricity services disrupted

The City has temporarily withdrawn some of its electricity teams in areas severely impacted by the taxi unrest, such as in Langa, Joe Slovo, Mfuleni, Asanda Village, Lwandle, Nomzamo, Gugulethu, Imizamo Yethu, Blue Downs, among others. Please note that service disruptions in one area often impact other areas as well. For the time being, teams will only be able to be deployed for emergency work if accompanied by law enforcement.

The City apologises for the inconvenience.

Customer offices: account payments, housing offices; motor vehicle registrations

Many customer offices are currently impacted with no or limited service in affected areas. The Fezeka Office is closed. The safety of customers and our staff is our priority. The City apologises for the inconvenience.

Customers are requested to please phone ahead to see if an office is open or to make use of online services where possible.

Municipal accounts may be paid online payments at www.powertime.co.za and www.easypay.co.za.

For account payments:

Online: www.Easypay.co.za or www.powertime.co.za

EFTs: Select the City as a bank-listed beneficiary. Use only your nine-digit municipal account number as reference

Retailers: Shoprite/Checkers, Pick n Pay, PEP, Woolworths, USave, Ackermans, Lewis, Top It Up and selected Spar shops

ATM: contact your bank to add the City as an ATM beneficiary

Register on e-Services

Renew vehicle licences

Submit water/electricity readings

Pay municipal accounts online (debit order payment option, only)

View current account and account history

Apply to receive accounts via email

Log service requests

To register for e-Services visit: https://eservices.capetown.gov.za/

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Issued by: Media Office, City of Cape Town