MUST READ: Taxi rivals reach an agreement
ALEXANDRA - ATA and Armsta signed a peace agreement on Tuesday to end the violence surrounding the industry.
Two rival taxi associations in Alexandra have signed a peace accord to end the bloody violence and turmoil that has characterised the taxi industry in the township.
Alexandra Taxi Association (ATA) and the Alexandra, Randburg, Midrand and Sandton Taxi Association (Armsta) decided to settle their differences on 26 September, saying ‘too many lives were lost’ in the name of the industry’s battles over routes.
To date, 47 deaths were recorded and the two associations have taken it upon themselves to end the war before any more children become orphans.
Different organisations filled the small conference hall at the Greater Alexandra Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Galxcoc) offices on Vincent Tshabalala Road to witness this historic event.
ATA chairperson, Vusi Mayaba extended his sincere apologies to Armsta deputy chairperson Tello Selepe for what has happened in the past and said it should never happen again.
“For me, this is one opportunity I have been waiting for, to embrace peace between ATA and Armsta. It pains me because it should never have happened in the first place,” Mayaba said.
He urged members of ATA to abstain from violent behaviour towards Armsta members.
“Let us work together in building Alex. No more killings.”
Selepe accepted the apology and said that he never thought that the day would eventually arrive and he was delighted to be part of it.
“There are people among us who do not support this initiative, but what is important is to move forward,” Selepe said.
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Selepe: There are people among us who do not accept this agreement, but we should not let it get to us. #AlexTaxi @AlexNewsZA
— Thabang Kuaho (@thab_journo) September 26, 2017
He hoped that the peace agreement would last forever.
Selepe: I believe that taxi violence in Alex has ended for good. I don't want to see it again. #AlexTaxi @AlexNewsZA
— Thabang Kuaho (@thab_journo) September 26, 2017
The two shook hands in solidarity and smiled for the cameras, obviously happy that the ‘war’ was over.
ATA Chairperson and Armsta deputy chairperson have reached an agreement. #AlexTaxi @AlexNewsZA pic.twitter.com/68GhQVQ7Jt
— Thabang Kuaho (@thab_journo) September 26, 2017
