City engaging industries to ensure economic stability amid taxi strike impact

10 August 2023

‘As a City, we called a meeting with retailers to address an urgent socio-economic aspect of SANTACO’s taxi strike. We have committed to extending safety escort services to food delivery trucks in affected communities as we have done with public transport and frontline services staff for as long as the strike continues. This will help retail businesses in these areas to supply the necessary goods to locals and ensure that economic activity can continue. The City further reached out to NGOs such as Gift of the Givers and Heal our Land for support in providing food relief to struggling communities,’ said Alderman Vos.

The City is also engaging with its partners in multiple affected industries, including Cape Town Tourism (CTT), the City’s official Destination Marketing Organisation, to ensure the wellbeing of visitors to the metro as well as employees in the sector who rely on public transport for commuting.

‘We are deeply saddened to hear of the death of a British citizen this past week and extend our condolences to his loved ones and all others who have become victims of this violence. The City will work with the South African Police Service to make sure that the perpetrators of these incidents are brought to book. CTT is maintaining communications with visitors and industry businesses. I encourage travellers to check out the website www.capetown.travel for tools and insights for a safe visitor experience,’ said Alderman Vos. 

He added that discussions are also ongoing with the Cape Town and Western Cape Convention Bureau, which is administered by Wesgro, to ensure that conferences and events continue with minimal interruption.

‘Considering that delegates spend between R3 200 and R6 400 per day during their stays, these gatherings drive billions of rands into Cape Town’s economy and generate thousands of jobs for Capetonians.

‘We have worked around the clock with partners across various industries to support Cape Town’s business environment to encourage job creation and investments. These efforts have resulted in thousands of Capetonians securing meaningful employment and entrepreneurs getting their new businesses off the ground. This is why we are doing all we can to avoid losing these gains in communities across the metro,’ said Alderman Vos.

Issued by Media Office, City of Cape Town, 10 August 2023