Telkom boss tells off Tito
How Treasury’s blueprint missed the mark
Isn’t this the job of the police?
We have been reporting this to the police for quite a long time.
Have they done anything?
Nothing. Nothing.
Is that why your drivers took the law into their own hands?
It’s not like taking the law into their own hands. It’s community responsibility, where you say enough is enough.
Is this why your drivers rioted?
Not rioting per se. We had a harmless protest.
During which windows were smashed, shops looted … ?
That’s not the taxi industry. We are business people who have the interests of our customers at heart. We don’t tolerate hooliganism where people loot shops.
Weren’t these people your drivers?
Those were not our drivers. Those were hooligans who saw we were protesting and took the opportunity to push their own agenda.
Isn’t this always going to happen?
If there are criminal elements within a harmless march, let the police then protect the citizens.
Did you get permission for your march?
I don’t know if you understand these operations. When you protest that’s where you seek attention. Somebody must listen to you.
You still have to have permission.
Maybe so, but that’s water under the bridge.
So the city police didn’t know there was going to be a protest?
Not a formal letter.
Do you share the xenophobia of your members?
No, we are business people. We cannot be talking xenophobia. Our brothers from neighbouring countries make use of our transport, they’re our customers.
So why were your drivers blaming the drug problem on Nigerians?
Those are individual inputs. Every person is entitled to his or her opinion.
Do you agree with them?
Drivers are the immediate contact of whatever is happening on the ground. So they might have something concrete regarding the matter. It would be very relevant for them to respond to that because they see everything that is happening.
So are they justified in targeting Nigerians?
I wouldn’t say they’re justified. Until the court says that. Then we can say yes. But for now, no, we cannot.
But by blaming Nigerians they’re turning them into targets, aren't they?
That one we are totally against. Xenophobia is not good for anyone.
Why aren’t you getting that message across?
We’re addressing the issue. What we’re against is drug dealing, irrespective of the nationality.
What will happen if it’s not sorted out?
The provincial commissioner has assured us he will put men and women on the ground, so we’ll leave it to the police.
Don’t your drivers say they’re in cahoots with the drug dealers?
The PC says if we have evidence they’ll be taken to task at once.