TimesLIVE reports that KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) commuters have been warned to make alternative transport plans after minibus taxi operators announced a two-day strike from Thursday in solidarity with the Clermont and KwaDabeka Taxi Owners Association.
A notice circulating on social media on Wednesday indicated: “All KZN taxi associations will take part in the strike. Therefore there will be no taxi transport available. Please advise your staff accordingly and if your children use taxis to get to school, please make alternative arrangements. Should the situation change we will update residents.” The solidarity strike follows strike action in Clermont, Durban, in protest against the impounding of 25 taxis on Friday. The taxis were impounded after taxi bosses from the Clermont and KwaDabeka Taxi Owners Association allegedly squared up with e-hailing drivers. One driver was shot and another assaulted. Police detained 15 taxi owners and drivers in connection with the violence. Santaco KZN chairperson Boy Zondi clarified that some taxis would be operational and indicated further: “I need to clarify there will be taxis in the province, maybe they will not be available in Durban.” KZN transport MEC Sboniso Duma said they are aware of the impending strike in Durban on Thursday and Friday. Duma said representatives from the department were scheduled to meet with Durban taxi associations on Wednesday to find a long-term solution.
- Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Mlungisi Mhlophe-Gumede at TimesLIVE
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