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TimesLIVE reports that the taxi strike in Cape Town has led to absenteeism of more than 50% in key sectors of the economy, with the fishing industry the hardest hit.
The Cape Chamber of Commerce and Industry said on Monday that although it was too early to quantify the economic impact of the strike, various sectors had been affected with workers unable to make it to work. The SA National Taxi Council (Santaco) abruptly halted all minibus taxi operations in the Western Cape last week after an impasse with City of Cape Town authorities. This followed a blockade by taxi operators last Tuesday in response to the impounding of about 15 vehicles. The situation escalated into clashes with police and metro police. While the fishing industry reported 80% absenteeism, the retail motor industry, which has implemented a “no work, no pay” policy, has seen an absenteeism rate above 50%. Some large companies in the furniture manufacturing sector reported as much as 60% absenteeism. The tourism sector has also suffered reputational damage as a result of the strike. Several health facilities have been closed or have suspended services as staff were unable to get to work. The strike prevented 456,020 pupils and 17,449 staff from attending school on Monday. Police arrested 35 people for alleged violence related to the taxi strike on Monday. Of the arrests, 27 were related to a taxi blockade on the N2 that caused major traffic disruptions.
- Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Khanyisile Ngcobo & Bobby Jordan at BusinessLive
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