eThekwini mayor urges Tansnat to resolve impasse with bus drivers
The mayor said the protest had also impacted negatively on the economy as freight and logistics trucks were unable to move with ease.
DURBAN Mayor, Mxolisi Kaunda, has denounced the blockading of roads with buses by Tansnat bus drivers, a company operating buses for the city, calling it an ‘act of treason and sabotage’.
On Monday morning commuters were left fuming as several bus drivers blocked various routes around Durban including the N2 and M25.
While traffic is now free-flowing, Durban mayor said the protest had also impacted negatively on the economy as freight and logistics trucks were unable to move with ease.
“This is an act of treason and economic sabotage to say the least and those responsible must face the full might of the law. Our economy is very strained by Covid-19 and this unlawful conduct is compounding our woes. Transnat must move with speed and resolve whatever issues they have that resulted in this inconvenience. The management should have records of which driver took which bus to where.
Related story: Chaos around Durban as bus drivers block major routes
“As a result, we are expecting the bus operator to discipline such drivers. We apologise to all residents and business that have been affected by these incidents and we are doing everything possible in our power for the situation to return to normalcy. This is a country that is governed by laws and all of us should respect the rule of law no matter what grievances we may have,” said Kaunda.
Among other grievances, bus drivers want to be permanently employed by the municipality.
The city has already started a process for a municipal entity that will take over the operation of buses.
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