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2010-03-23:Mayor pays tribute to taxi leader
The Executive Mayor of Johannesburg, Clr Amos Masondo, today paid tribute to the late Sipho Mtambo, the President of the Top Six Taxi Association who died earlier in the weekend.
“Mr Mtambo was a pioneer in the taxi industry who, for many years, played a leading role in shaping the South African transport sector,” said Mayor Masondo.
“He was amongst the first leaders in the taxi industry who, at an early period, recognised the potential that a Bus Rapid Transit holds for the people and the City of Johannesburg”.
“He saw in Rea Vaya a unique opportunity for the taxi sector to get a significant stake and share in the BRT system and in the building of a broader transport industry.
“As a committed supporter of transformation in the transport industry he played a valuable role in the planning and implementation of Rea Vaya in Johannesburg, especially through the Steering Committee, where his experience and strategic insight and input added value.”
Mayor Masondo said that the late Mr Mtambo stuck to his convictions despite threats of violence coming from splinter groups in the taxi industry and violent attacks directed against members of his association.
He expressed his condolences to Mr Mtambo’s family, loved ones and the members of the Top Six Taxi Association.
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Nkhensani Makhobela
Spokesperson for the Executive Mayor
Private Office of the Executive Mayor
City of Johannesburg
Tel: +27 11 407 7524
E-fax: +27 11 381 9982
Fax: +27 11 339 5704
Mobile: 082 461 7075
e-mail: nkhensanima@joburg.org.za