Former SANTACO president Philip Taaibosch says he is disappointment over Harmony Gold mine’s repossession of the taxi industry training academy in Welkom, which he thought had been donated to the industry by the mine.
“I heard about the training academy closing, and obviously I am disappointed. I trust the current leadership to handle the situation in the best interest of the taxi operators,” Taaibosch said.
Taaibosch isn’t alone in feeling disappointed; the Lejweleputswa Regional Taxi Council leadership was also caught off guard when Harmony Gold Mine management notified them that their taxi industry lease had been terminated and they must leave the premises.
“We are at a loss for words,” said Moeketsi Majoe SANTACO Lejweleputswa Regional Taxi Council chairperson. “There was absolutely no consultation between the regional leadership and Harmony. A meeting was supposed to have taken place to discuss this issue, but it never took place as we were still awaiting another meeting date
– instead we receive a notice to vacate the premises through an email.
“All these years, it never occurred to us that we were leasing the premises from Harmony, as we believed this was a donation from the mine intended to support the taxi industry educational and training needs,” said Majoe.
He also stated that Harmony should be transparent about the reasons for reclaiming a donated facility.
“Harmony management should clarify the actual reasons for the repossessions—perhaps executive Sabelo Mgotywa an executive at the mine can give real reasons for the eviction of the taxi industry at the facility,” Majoe said.
He says he has doubt if the board of Harmony including its chairman Patrice Motsepe is aware of this situation.
“It remains uncertain whether the Harmony Gold mine board has been informed of the challenges between the mine and the taxi industry, and we are confident that Dr. Patrice Motsepe is not aware of the situation. He must assist us,” he said.
