Note to editors: Please find attached English and Afrikaans soundbites by Dr Chris Hunsinger MP
Earlier this week, during the height of the taxi strike violence in Cape Town, Minister of Transport Sindisiwe Chikunga openly sided with SANTACO and the taxi strikers. Her call for the immediate release of impounded taxis was framed under the false pretext of the City of Cape Town’s amended traffic by-laws, an incorrect and misleading assertion. In fact, the impounding was executed in strict accordance with the National Land Transport Act (NLTA), and was entirely consistent with national legislation governing the industry.
During the past week the City demonstrated an unwavering commitment to commuter and citizen safety. It resisted the use of violence as a negotiating tactic, acted in the long-term interest of all involved, and refused to bow to pressure from SANTACO or the Minister.
Minister Chikunga’s remarks, however, reflect more than mere misjudgment. They were a calculated political move, a deliberate manipulation of this sensitive issue to benefit the ANC in the forthcoming national election. Such opportunistic behaviour was not just irresponsible and unethical; it constituted a clear violation of the Code of Ethical Conduct and Disclosure of Members’ Interests of Parliament.
Given this grievous misconduct, the DA will submit an ethics complaint to the Joint Parliamentary Committee on Ethics and Members’ Interests. Our submission will argue that Minister Chikunga’s intentional dissemination of falsehoods not only violated the principles of the Code but also failed to uphold the law and undermined the very integrity of Parliament. This matter transcends mere politics; it touches on the core values of our democracy.
We will also write to the Chairperson of the Transport Committee to, upon the conclusion of recess, ensure that the Minister appear before the Committee. She must account for her unfounded and damaging claims.
The DA remains steadfast in our dedication to promoting peace, harmony, and the well-being of all South Africans. The people of Cape Town, and indeed all of South Africa, deserve no less.
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