City condemns uMhlanga taxi blockade, commits to finding ‘amicable’ solution

THE eThekwini Municipality has condemned the taxi blockade in uMhlanga on Tuesday, calling it an ‘illegal protest’.

Routes in and out of the uMhlanga CBD were blocked for several hours as taxi operators demanded the municipality find a solution to the lack of a designated taxi rank in the area.

According to the South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO), taxi operators were unable to park in their normal spot near the R4-billion Oceans Umhlanga Mall as the area was cordoned off with concrete barriers.

According to City spokesperson Gugu Sisilana, representatives from the municipality are expected to meet with members of the taxi industry from the northern region today.

Also read: Temporary taxi rank proposed as uMhlanga blockade ends

“This meeting is to find long-lasting solutions to address issues related to the lack of a designated public transport space for taxis near the Oceans Mall. This follows an illegal protest that occurred on Tuesday, September 19, when approximately 40 taxis from different parts of the northern region blocked off the M4 Ruth First Highway and Lighthouse Road in uMhlanga. This led to hours of congestion and frustration for motorists.

“The affected taxi associations complained about inadequate holding space for taxis and that the temporary space they had been allowed to use had been recently shut down by mall management without any consultations. Members of the Metro Police and other law enforcement agencies were on scene and attended to the illegal blockading of roads, which the City strongly condemns,” she said.

The road was later cleared and opened to allow the free flow of traffic.

“City leadership has called on the taxi industry to table their concerns through appropriate channels so they can be addressed amicably, as we continue to engage with them on issues of common interest. The municipality is also finalising consultations for a new holding area for taxis and buses. The site has already been identified,” Sislana said.

Speaking to Northglen News, the chief operating officer (CEO) of Oceans Umhlanga, Brian Mpono, said an interim taxi rank has been opened which can only accommodate 50 taxis.

Also read: Taxis block roads in and out of uMhlanga

“In order to have the taxi blockade stopped in the interest of greater uMhlanga businesses, Oceans Umhlanga has provided and negotiated, at its own initiative, a temporary solution which has been accepted by the representatives of the taxi association. The responsibility for public transport in uMhlanga lies with the eThekwini Municipality, not the private developers.”

“Furthermore, an interim taxi facility is now open, but it can only accommodate about 50 taxis, but there are about 90 taxis. Additionally, there are major road works in progress around the lower uMhlanga precinct, for safety reasons, and barriers have been erected to prevent taxis from entering the area. We hope that the municipality and the taxi association can reach an agreement for a permanent solution during their meeting on Wednesday,” he said.

For more from Northglen News, follow us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram. You can also check out our videos on our YouTube channel or follow us on TikTok.