Johnathan Paoli
In his keynote address at the Women’s Day Celebrations held at the Union Buildings on Wednesday, President Cyril Ramaphosa reminded the audience of the level of discomfort underpinning the celebrations as a whole, specifically in light of the sudden change of venue.
A decision to change the venue from Khayelitsha, Cape Town to the Union Buildings in Tshwane was taken at the last minute because of the violent minibus taxis strike in Cape Town which has resulted in the deaths of two people including a British medical doctor who had been visiting the country.
Ramaphosa said that while peaceful and non violent forms of protest action were not only protected but celebrated as necessary for the healthy functioning of our democratic society, violent and destructive forms of strike action were morally unacceptable.
The President bemoaned the appalling nature of the recent deaths linked to the strikes, as well as the logistical damage the protest action has had over the surrounding economy.
“Blocked roads lead to blocked business, blocked education and blocked health services, which will have long-lasting effects on life in the city,” he said.
Ramaphosa asked for a moment of consideration and empathy for the women, children and men who are currently caught up in the crossfire and effects of the taxi strikes rocking the city of Cape Town.
The president concluded with a stark aide-memoir of society’s collective responsibility to protect lives and livelihoods, as well as building a safe and peaceful society.
The minibus taxi strike has been a recurrent theme of Cape Town everyday life since the beginning of August, from the roller-coaster negotiations between Santaco and the Metro to increasing violence on the front lines.
The taxi drivers and owners are demanding that the City of Cape Town return the impounded taxis back to the operators while the City is adamant that they broke the law.
Recently Transport Minister Sindisiwe Chakunga called out on the City of Cape Town to return the taxis to their rightful owners saying their actions were unconstitutional.
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