I wish to report on a matter of public importance, namely, the ongoing taxi conflict between Nanduwe and WATA in Soweto, which has been simmering for several months.

The dispute was formally heard by the Provincial Regulatory Entity (PRE) in terms of Section 79 of the National Land Transport Act (2009).

The ruling by PRE infers that WATA has irregularly encroached on the routes registered in the name of Nanduwe.

The Department of Roads and Transport appeals to the members of both taxi associations to abide by the ruling.

If any party is unhappy or aggrieved with the ruling, it must follow due process allowed for in law and lodge an appeal with the National Regulatory Entity.

Acts of violence and intimidation, blockading of roads and disruption of normal taxi services will never resolve the matter and will not result in a different ruling by the provincial regulatory entity.

We wish to compliment the law enforcement agencies for the swift arrests this morning of two persons allegedly carrying unlicensed firearms and for the close monitoring of the activities of selected taxi operators intending to disrupt transport services in our communities.

We call on the provincial and municipal law enforcement agencies to act decisively against acts of lawlessness, violence and intimidation by selected taxi operators in Soweto and to ensure that there is safe passage for commuters traveling on public transport routes.