Taxi tension leave commuters stranded
The tension between taxi operators in Tzaneen, left commuters stranded without transport to take them home after work recently.
The friction was between the Nkowankowa Taxi Association (NTA) and the Maake/Lenyenye taxi operators over the ‘Makapana’ route.
A taxi driver who wished to be annoymous told the Herald that the route which stretches from Burgersdorp to Julesburg has always been used by the Nkowankowa operators.
On the day of the incident commuters were shocked to arrive to a heated quarrel between the drivers, which took place at the taxi rank next to the Tzaneen Crossing Mall.
The dispute has sent contradicting messages to passengers as the local taxi industry has always discouraged them to hitch hike.
Also read:TZANEEN: Friction leads to sjambok-war
However on the day many were left with an option, but to go to hiking spot to get a ride home.
Daily commuter, Tsatsawana Mkhawana from Dan Village told the Herald that the tension was disappointing and unprofessional from the two parties.
“The argument incovenienced us, because we didn’t reach home on the usual time, some of us had to go to a hiking spot which is unsafe,”she said.
NTA Transport Manager, Prince Shilubane said that the two parties have agreed to put the dispute on hold for the benefit of their passengers.
“We are still going to have an official meeting which we hope will resolve all the conflict and misunderstandings.
“We want to assure our commuters that they have nothing to fear, they can continue using our taxis with open hearts, we are hear to serve them,” he concluded.
