6th November 2009

The Inkatha Freedom Party says the on-going violent conflicts within the taxi industry shame all blacks because the taxi industry represents the pioneering struggles of black people to uplift themselves economically.

This violence is primarily driven by greed and lack of ubuntu, the IFP says. In a statement issued today in reaction to the news of five taxis under uMlazi's NMR Taxi Association that were torched earlier in the week, IFP's eThekwini Spokesperson, Joshua Mazibuko went on:

"The on-going taxi-conflicts cannot be justified under any circumstances. Worse of all, they shame and blemish, not only the taxi industry, but all of us as black people because this is the epitome of the pioneering black struggles for economic empowerment which survived the harsh conditions of apartheid. Now when they involve themselves in violent conflicts, we are all indicted. Where has ubuntu gone which stipulates that what has gone wrong among the people must be put right through negotiations? 

"As the IFP in eThekwini we wish to call on all concerned to ensure that this madness stops forthwith. In addition, we blow the trumpet on behalf of the multitudes voiceless commuters who, like grass, suffer as these bulls are fighting. But above all, the law-enforcement agencies must be seen to be playing their role decisively towards ensuring the restoration of law and order."

For Further Information:
Joshua Mazibuko
EThekwini IFP Spokesperson                     
072 927 0993