Maponya Mall Attack: Gauteng Transport MEC Addresses E-Hailing Violence Crisis and on interventions amid tensions

following a day of heightened tensions outside Maponya Mall, the Gauteng Roads and Transport MEC, Kedibone Diale-Tlabela, addressed concerns from the community, e-hailing operators, and the taxi industry over ongoing conflicts in the area.

In an interview, MEC Diale-Tlabela outlined the steps taken to stabilize the situation, following meetings with families affected by recent incidents, law enforcement agencies, and transport stakeholders. She confirmed that the family of a recently deceased individual had performed customary rituals and transported the body to KwaZulu-Natal, as part of early reconciliation efforts.

“The community, e-hailing operators, and taxi associations have been engaged in a series of discussions to ensure public transport services can continue safely,” Diale-Tlabela said.

One of the main issues raised was the perceived bullying of e-hailing drivers by certain taxi operators, restricting their access to the mall. The center manager has since implemented a platform where all parties, including law enforcement, can address conflicts and work toward collaborative solutions.

However, MEC Diale-Tlabela noted challenges with e-hailing representation. “The leadership of e-hailing groups changes frequently, which makes consistent engagement difficult. We are calling for stable, recognized representatives to ensure agreements can be implemented.”

Despite the tensions, the MEC confirmed that Maponya Mall would reopen as usual, with public transport services continuing. Security and oversight from the Johannesburg Metro Police and transport inspectors will be maintained on a daily basis to protect both service providers and the community.

“The key is safety and accessibility. We have instructed law enforcement agencies to ensure everyone operates freely and can pick up and drop off passengers without harassment,” she said.

The platform now in place encourages taxi operators and e-hailing drivers to coordinate more closely to protect each other and their customers. A unified approach is seen as essential to maintaining order and ensuring the viability of public transport in the area. E-hailing services have also formalized a representative body, which will be officially recognized in future discussions.

MEC Diale-Tlabela concluded that while some challenges remain, there is a clear framework for dialogue and cooperation moving forward. Authorities will continue monitoring the situation and convene further meetings to address community concerns.