A widespread taxi shutdown, led by members of the South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO), has severely impacted small businesses and stranded thousands of commuters across Durban, with the strike expanding to new regions as of today.
The industrial action, which began on Tuesday, initially brought operations to a halt in the western areas of KwaDabeka and Claremont. The protest was triggered by the impoundment of taxis and a crackdown on operators without valid permits by the local municipality. The situation was further inflamed last week when several taxi drivers were taken in for questioning for allegedly assaulting two e-hailing drivers.
The central demands of the taxi operators are the immediate release of approximately 25 impounded vehicles from the Claremont and KwaDabeka associations and a resolution to significant delays in the issuing of operating licenses.
Mr. Mluleki Mntungwa, mayoral spokesperson, confirmed that the city is engaged in ongoing negotiations to find an amicable solution. “Engagements are ongoing with the leadership of the taxi industry,” Mntungwa stated, acknowledging the city’s role in the licensing delays. “We agreed with the department of transport that we are going to fast-track the process of issuing operating licenses.”
Despite a crucial meeting held yesterday between taxi representatives and the municipality, which Mntungwa described as productive, the strike has intensified. He confirmed that talks with the Claremont taxi association regarding the release of their vehicles had begun but emphasized that the process “is relying heavily on the cooperation between the city and the leadership of the taxi association.”
When questioned on why the strike continues despite apparent agreement on some issues, Mntungwa indicated that talks are still in progress and that the mayor’s door “remains open to engage with them at any time” to end the disruption and return the city to normality.
The withdrawal of minibus taxis, the primary mode of transport for many residents, has left countless commuters stranded. The economic ripple effect has been severe, with street vendors and other small business owners reporting major struggles as customer traffic has dried up.
The resolution now hinges on further negotiations, with another meeting between the city and taxi industry representatives expected later today.
