Put BRT on hold - Zuma

"I am supporting what was proposed, that we hold horses for now and then we come back," he told the SA National Taxi Council (Santaco) BRT summit at Gallagher Estate in Midrand.

Zuma explained how the country was in the process of an election and that the new government should be given time to form and then revisit the issues raised by the taxi industry over implementation of the plan.

"I am proposing that we hold horses for now and we come back... if that's agreed then lets get back to business," he said.

Earlier, Santaco president Andrew Mthembu called on government to halt the implementation of the BRT system completely.

Participate

Zuma said the taxi industry should look at ways of participating in government's transport plans, instead of sitting on the sidelines.

"... how do you participate in that process because you could be taxi owners, bus owners, train owners... your leadership should be discussing how do you come in," he said.

"So instead of tension you should have discussions on how to make it better... come with ideas on how do we integrate taxis and bus services jointly with the government."

However, Zuma said he had not looked at a memorandum handed to the ANC by the industry over their grievances against the BRT on March 24.

Threats

He also chastised the industry for the threats they had issued if the BRT system proceeded.

"If you don't want government to force things onto you.... I don't think you want government to feel they are doing things with a gun to their head from taxi anger," he said.

He emphasised the need for communication and discussion.

After his address, Santaco first deputy president Tutu Molefe, said Zuma had "quelled the anger" of the industry.

Zuma spoke in English and Zulu and was received warmly by the packed auditorium of Santaco members.

He urged them to vote in Wednesday's poll to ensure an ANC majority which, in turn, would enable it to "make decisions" in government.