Members of the United Taxi Association Front were set to take to the streets in Johannesburg over the government’s alleged failure to issue operating licences timeously, said the association’s spokesperson Jabulani Nkosi.
According to Nkosi, taxis were being impounded because they did not have an operating licence or permit, however, transport authorities had failed to issue operating permits and licences on time.
“The impoundments are killing us,” he said. “We are being harassed and our passengers are being harassed.”
Further, the authorities had promised taxi operators exemption from e-tolls but they continued to receive bills, Nkosi said.
“We are continually receiving summonses for unpaid e-tolls yet we are supposed to be exempt. We are taking the memorandum to the department of transport. We are tired of talking. The authorities keep making promises but nothing happens.”
The march in Johannesburg was scheduled to start at Mary Fitzgerald Square in Newtown and end at Vadi’s office in Simmonds Street.
Traffic disruptions and interruptions to taxi and Rea Vaya bus services were expected as result of the protest action.
According to Metro police spokesperson Chief Superintendent Wayne Minnaar, protesters were currently at Mary Fitzgerald Square.
“They will leave the square, go up Bree Street and turn right into Simmonds Street,” Minnaar said.
There was a strong police presence in the CBD.
