I am saddened by the sudden passing of the President of the Congress of Democratic Taxi Associations (Codeta), Mr Vusumzi Lennox Miselo.

Mr Miselo died on Sunday afternoon following a short illness.

Mr Miselo was involved with the taxi industry for nearly 30 years, having started as a taxi driver in Cape Town in 1991 and operated on the Khayelitsha-Bellville Route. He was elected to the position of President of Codeta in 2008.

Since my appointment as the Western Cape Minister of Transport and Public Works, I committed myself to working with the taxi industry to deal with the challenges they face. Mr Miselo formed part of the leadership delegations that I have been engaging in my efforts to end the current spate of taxi violence across the province.

I got to know Mr Miselo as a soft spoken, but firm leader whose dedication to the minibus industry was always clear to see.

I extend my sincere condolences to his family, to the members of Codeta, and to his colleagues in the broader taxi industry.

May his soul Rest in Peace.