In another win for dialogue over conflict and violence, the Gauteng taxi industry presented a Memorandum of Agreement reached between Internal Taxi Association (ITA) and Evaton West Taxi Association (EWTA) in the Sedibeng District Municipality. 
Both associations agreed, in terms of the agreement, to a ceasefire, end conflicts, stop the damage of vehicles and ensure passengers safety in and around taxi ranks. 
This follows the outbreak of violence over routes in the previous weeks.
The agreement comes after MEC Mamabolo had served both associations with a letter of intent to summarily shut down their operations for six months following the violent clashes.
Commending the industry, MEC Jacob Mamabolo lauded the provincial taxi leadership for taking responsibility for the violence that has plagued the area. 
Following the agreement, the MEC has put on hold the closure of routes and taxi ranks operated by both associations. 
"The two associations will continue operating in the area for as long as they abide by an agreement they are signatories to" said the MEC. He added that "any violation of the terms of the agreement will leave us with no choice but to shut down their operations without consulting them".
He added that decisions to shut down taxi operations were not taken lightly as this has a huge impact on the mobility of commuters, as this is their primary mode of transport. 
"This, however, is not a licence for taxi operators to act with impunity, often endangering the lives of their customers. We will be monitoring their operations closely and will not hesitate to act when necessary," he cautioned.