Taxi strike affects commuters
JOHANNESBURG – Issues of Taxi Operating Licence renewals cause sudden taxi strike.
Residents in Johannesburg who make use of taxis to get to work, woke up to a taxi strike that occurred without any prior warnings. “Most of the residents in the Zandspruit Informal Settlement use taxis as transport,” said Zandspruit resident Sabata Makabethi. “This morning when we arrived at the taxi rank, all of the taxis were there, but they were not operating because of a taxi strike.
“We weren’t even notified of the strike and this made things difficult as most of us couldn’t make it to work,” Makabethi added.
Delegate at the Northern Taxi License Committee Jacob Ngoma explained that taxis in Soweto and on the West Rand will be affected by the strike. “Everything is still running smoothly at ranks in Randburg and the Northcliff area. The strike is likely to only last for the day so things should be back to normal tomorrow.”
He explained that the reason why the taxi drivers are striking is because of operating licences. “The taxi drivers that are striking aren’t happy with the fact that some of their operating licences won’t be renewed and that’s the only reason why they are striking as far as I know.”
Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department spokesperson Chief Superintendent Wayne Minnaar said that the strike has affected the taxis in Roodepoort as there were less taxis on the road on 17 November.
Minnaar added, “The taxi drivers will start their march at Xavier Street close to the M1 Highway where they will move into the Johannesburg CBD area. Traffic will be affected so avoid the area and the M1 Highway if you can.”
Clearwater Mall general manager Vicky Vlok said that the taxi rank inside the mall has been closed for the day. “This is the first time since 2010 that the rank has been completely closed down. There is not one taxi in sight and its actually quite eerie.”
