In a significant move to maintain peace and serve residents in a safe and effective manner, Orange Farm United Taxi Association (OFUTA) and Vaal Witwatersrand Taxi Association (Vaalwits) hosted an event on 27 February at Letsheng Mall’s Taxi Rank to announce their truce and partnership in transporting residents. This comes after various incidents of violence between the associations, which had led to the loss of lives among drivers, taxi bosses and passengers. The ongoing violence had impacted the entire community, prompting the “OrangeVaal” partnership, as both associations decided that enough blood had been shed and it was time for an end to the violence.
The event was attended by community members, pastors, government officials, representatives from the United Taxi Front (UTAF), The National Taxi Alliance (NTA), Sedibeng Santaco, women’s leagues of taxi associations and other key stakeholders. Both chairpersons, Ngubane of OFUTA and Mbhele of Vaalwits, used their speeches to express heartfelt apologies to the residents for the violence they had witnessed over the years, vowing that such incidents would never happen again.
“The violence affected everyone emotionally and physically. It was not good and it should not have happened. Our community did not deserve to witness such gruesome scenes. We love and respect the community; they are our bosses. Without them, we are nothing. This peace is very important to us and we will do everything in our power to make sure it remains,” shared both Mbhele and Ngubane.
The speeches were met with applause from all present, with speakers and residents alike commending the two associations for their important step towards peace. Residents shared their relief and hope for the future with Orange Farm News, stating: “We are happy and welcome this OrangeVaal partnership. It’s the best thing to ever happen. We will pray to God to keep and protect this partnership. Now, we can shop freely without fear of shootings.”
Ruth Hlabangane, the centre manager of Letsheng Mall, also expressed her support, saying: “This is great to witness. As the Mall, we are happy and welcome this partnership. It is going to make shopping easier for all of us. I applaud OrangeVaal—keep it up; this is very important. May God lead and protect this truce. This peace and unity initiative is good and will bring more feet into the centre, benefiting the centre.”
All speakers emphasized that Vaalwits and OFUTA are now unified, working together as one entity and committed to protecting the community from any violence. Following the event, residents were treated to a delicious lunch, further reinforcing the spirit of unity and collaboration. This historic partnership marks a new chapter for the community, offering hope for a safer and more peaceful future.
Images: Mbali Nqubuka
