Durban Taxi Strike – Durban’s major highways, the N3 and N2, were blockaded on Monday by long-distance taxi operators, marking the fourth consecutive day of the Durban taxi strike. The ongoing protest has caused severe traffic disruptions and left thousands of commuters stranded, unable to travel between Durban and other towns or cities.
Key Points of the Durban Taxi Strike
The operators are protesting against Operation Shanela, a provincial initiative aimed at clamping down on unlicensed taxi operations. They claim the operation unfairly targets those without permits, leading to numerous taxis being impounded in northern KwaZulu-Natal areas like Empangeni, Ulundi, Newcastle, and Vryheid.
Highway Blockades Bring Durban to a Standstill
On Monday, striking operators used their minibus taxis to block critical routes, including:
- The N2 and N3 highways near the EB Cloete interchange.
- The N3 exit out of Durban.
- The M41 near Umhlanga.
This Durban taxi strike caused significant traffic congestion, prompting the Durban Metro Police to issue a public notice urging motorists to avoid the affected areas and use alternative routes. The police assured the public they were working to resolve the disruptions and restore normal traffic flow.
Taxi Operators’ Grievances
The primary complaints raised by the striking operators include:
- Delays in the issuance of operating permits by the provincial transport department.
- Lack of engagement from Transport MEC Siboniso Duma to address their concerns.
Operators claim they have repeatedly requested meetings with provincial authorities, only to be ignored. However, KwaZulu-Natal Transport Department spokesperson Ndabezinhle Sibiya stated that MEC Duma has met with the operators and formed a task team to address the issues.
“There was a team established, comprising association members and transport department officials, to resolve the raised concerns,” said Sibiya.
Historical Context
The long-distance taxi operators have staged multiple strikes over the past few months, citing similar grievances. In a previous effort to address the situation, they met with KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi two months ago. Despite these engagements, tensions remain high, as operators feel their demands are yet to be met.
Traffic Alert for Motorists
Authorities have advised motorists to stay informed about traffic conditions and plan their routes accordingly while negotiations between the transport department and taxi operators continue.
This strike highlights the urgent need for a long-term resolution to the permit and licensing challenges faced by the long-distance taxi industry in KwaZulu-Natal.
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