4 NOVEMBER 2016
COMMUNITY NEWS
NAMIB TIMES
9
Taxi drivers operate NBL National Marketing without licences Manager resigns in wake Erwin Leushner
The traffic department of the Municipality of Swakopmund is concerned about the increasing number of Taxi drivers in town operating without a valid drivers licence or a Professional Authorisation (PA) certificate. This concern voiced traffic Chief Melvin Cloete in an interview with namib times. More than 30 drivers of taxis in Swakopmund were charged over the past weekend – more than half of those were operating the vehicle with neither a driver's licence nor PA certificate. “It is a huge concern for us as this new trend seems to be increasing,” said Cloete. More than ten cases were recorded the weekend before. “There is a tendency by owners of taxis to operate the vehicle until late in the afternoon. Afterwards they give the car to a friend, who continues to pick up clients, although he does not even have a valid driver's licence,” Cloete continued. When a taxi driver is found not to be in possession of a valid licence, traffic officers not only charge the driver, but also the owner,” Cloete continued. While voicing his concerns about this new trend, which was discovered during operations by the traffic department of the past two weekends, Cloete issued a stern warning to Swakopmund taxis, who have not registered. Taxis were called on to register the vehicles since September this year with the official cut-off date being 31 October. “From 1 November onwards all taxis, that have not been registered at the municipality of Swakopmund, will be taken off the road and will have their operation suspended,” Cloete continued. He also urged the public not to make use of any unregistered taxis, stating that they might be busy with criminal activities. “After all, why did they not register when they had the chance? There must be a reason for it,” he said; and added: “No number, no jive.” By introducing the new numbering system the traffic department is now in the position to monitor the amount of taxis operating in town. According to Cloete Swakopmund has the capacity to accommodate a maximum of 400 taxis currently. “When we reach this number we will liaise with the Roads Authority to issue no more permits,” he said. When it comes to the future of taxis in town the scenery will change quite a bit, he continued. This will also apply to taxis from Walvis Bay, ferrying customers to Swakopmund and back. “When a taxi (from Walvis Bay) is found in Swakopmund, the driver needs to show a certificate that he may operate outside the vicinity of the harbour town. If he cannot show such a certificate, he will also be charged,” the traffic chief continued. The same will also apply to so-called seven seaters operating from Walvis Bay. These types of vehicles travelling towards the Windhoek may in future not stop over in Swakopmund and pick up passengers. “They may do so only with a valid road carrier permit,” he said. With this initiative the municipality intends to prevent operators from Walvis Bay to “steal” customers in Swakopmund.
of alleged irregularities The Ohlthaver & List Group confirmed this week its National Marketing Manager at subsidiary Namibia Breweries Ltd, Rosemary Shippiki, tendered her resignation after alleged irregularities within the national brewer's marketing department. In a statement Group Manager: External Relations, Roux-ché Locke, confirmed an investigation into the alleged irregularities was launched. A complaint from outside the company alleged the irregularities. “Following an externally received complaint that alleges irregularities within the NBL Marketing department, an investigation was launched. Subsequently, on 25 October, the NBL National Marketing Manager, Rosemary Shippiki, tendered her resignation, with the
understanding that the investigation would continue,” according to the statement. “Guided by our value, we do the right things right, the O&L group subscribes to rigorous processes & procedures, therefore the appeal is that all parties refrain from judgment on the matter until the process is completed,” urged Locke. NBL Innovation Manager, Rene Duffy, has thus been assigned to act in the position of National Marketing Manager until further notice.