Nabta welcomes drivers union

THE Namibian Bus and Taxi Association (Nabta) views a union for taxi drivers as a welcome step in the right direction, as it could anchor the drivers into a more effective and law-abiding forum.

‘Perhaps it is a blessing in disguise,’ Nabta boss Magnus Nangombe said yesterday when asked if he supports the idea of a union for taxi drivers.’Perhaps they will get leaders who are actually going to act properly and do things within the framework of the law … [instead of] what is happening currently’.Despite Nabta’s warning to avoid a strike this week, ‘they are always going their own way and we have no control over them. They decide to take the law into their own hands, which puts them in conflict with Government’. Nangombe explained that Nabta, although it has negotiated on behalf of the drivers in the past few weeks, is essentially an association for bus and taxi owners, not their employees.’Nabta does not cater for the drivers. We are an association for owners and employers,’ he said. And despite Nabta’s attempts last weekend to rein in the drivers and plead with them to remain calm, ‘the problems came as a result of a number of drivers deciding to take the law into their own hands. They disregarded the advice of the association,’ he said. Nangombe said the idea of a union for the drivers had been on the cards for a number of years. In 2006, a half-hearted attempt was made by some members. The union failed to materialise, however, as ‘nobody was interested’.’There were not enough people to sign up; nobody wanted to pay. These are the realities.’Nangombe said the unionisation could potentially strengthen taxi drivers and force them to follow stricter guidelines when issues arise, reducing the potential for violent clashes with the law. Nevertheless, the issue raising the hackles of the taxi drivers – steep traffic fines – is an ‘industry issue’, Nangombe said. ‘The reality is that the fines are not affordable to anyone. We sympathise with the drivers. Their salaries are between N$1 000 and N$2 000, and they still have to look after their families,’ he added. Nabta has requested a second round of talks with relevant government institutions in order to negotiate ‘a compromise’.Nabta also feels that its objective of addressing the new fines would benefit most Namibians, not only those in the transport sector.’These fines are not only the concern of Nabta, but for most Namibians. The majority of Namibians are unemployed.’

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