The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Limpopo extends our sincere condolences to the families, friends and colleagues of Charles Ramogale, Madiseng Langa, Lebogang Machaka and David Makweya who all succumbed to Covid -19 related illnesses during the past week.
The four men were taxi owners based in Polokwane whose vehicles operate from the Polokwane taxi rank.
We are further concerned in the rise of Covid-19 positive cases in drivers as confirmed by the Seshego Polokwane Taxi Association (SPTA) and the Moletje Taxi Association who share a hub at the Polokwane taxi rank.
The SPTA and the Moletjie taxi association together with the Mankweng Taxi Association ferries about 18000 passengers daily whose are solely dependent on public transport.
The DA urges taxi operators and passengers alike to adhere to Covid regulations.
It is vital to ensure the safety and lives of drivers and commuters by disinfecting vehicles regularly, wearing masks, sanitising hands and to practice social distancing in the taxi as well as at the taxi rank.
As of yesterday, Limpopo Province recorded 7592 positive cases and one third of reported cases are from Polokwane.
We call on all the community of Polokwane to be extra cautious when making use of public transport and to observe all health protocols.