Frank Maponya

Frank Maponya

Simmering tension between three warring taxi associations in the Greater Letaba municipality could be a thing of the past if the recent intervention by the government succeeds.

The Sekgosese Taxi Association (Sekta) has been at loggerheads with both the Bolobedu United Taxi Association (Buta) and Balobedu Long Distance Taxi Association (Baldta) for nearly a decade over routes.

Sekta members accuse the rival associations of operating without legal permits.

Buta and Baldta members have allegedly been in cahoots against Sekta members, denying them permission to ferry commuters from Modjadjiskloof to Mamaila in Sekgosese.

This despite the fact that Sekta operators have valid permits.

Sekta started operating in the area in 1974 and had no problems until 1998, when the two factions came together.

Limpopo MEC for roads and transport Justice Pitso and mayor Joshua Matlou met the three associations on Tuesday.

"We are proud that despite the excruciating nature of the discussions, all associations displayed commitment to finding a solution to the problem," Pitso said yesterday.