Santaco calls off Western Cape taxi strike
National taxi council Santaco called off the week-long stay away in the Western Cape on Thursday evening.
It says it took the decision after lengthy deliberations, adding that it's sad and disappointing it's taken all those involved this long to come to an agreement.
Aside from the transport chaos, violent disruptions flared up during the strike action.
The violence in Cape Town left five people dead, including a police officer and a 40-year-old orthopaedic surgeon from the UK, who was shot.
Santaco's offered its condolences to the grieving families.
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Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis said it's a bittersweet day.
"We are pleased that the destructive taxi strike has come to an end and we appreciate the constructive approach taken by Santaco. However, Santaco has today accepted the same proposal that the City of Cape Town and the Western Cape government originally put on the table last Friday.
"The tragic indication is that all of the violence, deplorable loss of life and the damage to property and local economy. All of it was for nought. Impoundment under the National Land Transport Act will continue for vehicle driving without an operating licence or on the incorrect route or without a driver's licence or without a roadworthy certificate."
Meanwhile, police are investigating close to two hundred cases linked to the outbreak of violence during the strike.
