Taxi strike: EFF calls for R20k a taxi, voices support for protests
- The EFF has voiced its support for the taxi industry as it calls for more funds to be allocated to providing the sector with Covid-19 relief
- The industry took to the streets on Monday to protest the R1 billion provided to it by the government
- The EFF has slammed the amount as too little, calling for R20 000 at least to be given to each taxi
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The Economic Freedom Fighters have supported the taxi industry in its call for more Covid-19 relief amid shutdown protests.
Briefly.co.za reported that the sector had taken to the streets in a bid to put pressure on the government to shell out more than the R1 billion currently put forward.
In a statement released by the EFF, the party agreed that R5 000 is simply not enough to help the industry:
"The EFF supports the demand put by the taxi associations for more relief funds than what the government has put on the table. We agree that R5 000 per taxi is not and will never be enough. Each taxi must be given at least R20 000 as a relief fund."
READ ALSO: Taxi strike: Stranded commuters opt to walk to save their jobs
Justifying its view on the matter, the EFF explained that the majority of citizens depend on this mode of transport to access economic opportunities:
"In the entire transport system in our country, the taxi industry is the best mechanism of wealth distribution. It is at the closest to the lowest ranks of our economic system as a whole.
"The money in the hands of taxi drivers will surely be spent on the taxi industry ecosystem, which includes informal traders around taxi ranks. This will benefit millions of families who will have actual buying power, boost demand and lead to more trade in the economy."
In addition to this, the EFF called for a ban on the repossession of taxis as Covid-19 weighs on the economy:
"We also call on a general ban on repossession of taxis by the South African banking industry. All taxis must be given an interest-free payment holiday for the entire year so that they can recover from economic strife. The taxi industry is an essential part of the country's fight against Covid-19. Even if the country should return to lockdown Level 5, taxis will still be central to the transportation of essential workers."
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Source: Briefly News
