By Everson Luhanga
- The Alexandra Taxi Association and Armsta declared peace at a community event, saying fights over power and routes must end.
- Taxi bosses donated shoes to learners from 13 schools, while locals enjoyed meals and music from Ihashi Lemhlophe and MaOrange.
Alexandra township has been scarred by deadly taxi wars for decades. On Thursday, rival taxi bosses stood together to call for peace.
The Alexandra Taxi Association and the Alex Randburg Midrand Sandton Taxi Association (Armsta) met at the Kwabhekilanga sports ground. The packed hall was filled with taxi operators, community members and even local celebrities.
Victor Moekeletse, Armsta chairperson, reminded the crowd that Alexandra was the starting point of taxi violence across South Africa. He urged operators to stop killing each other for power and routes.
“If you do not want a leader, wait for their term to finish and vote them out,” he said.
ATA chairperson Vusi Mayaba promised that as long as he was in charge, there would be no more violence. He said operators should focus on creating jobs instead of bloodshed.
The crowd cheered as veteran leader Linda Twala, known as the father of Alex, was honoured for his years of service.
Actor Siyabonga Twala and entertainer MaOrange performed, with MaOrange shouting his famous “Gomora” call. The group Ihashi Lemhlophe closed the event with music.
Private security, police and metro officers watched over the gathering. Many locals, including children, lined up for food – some saying it was their only meal of the day.
Taxi bosses and Alexandra Tyres also donated 50 pairs of school shoes to learners from 13 schools.
Pictured above: Taxi associations in Alexandra declare peace after decades of violence.
Image source: Everson Luhanga
