A building was also almost burnt to the ground.
On Friday, October 3 the taxi drivers that are affiliated to the Local Taxi Association (LOTA) took to the streets, not for work, but to strike against the taxi committee for not meeting their demands. The drivers have made demands on the taxi committee board members and wanted an immediate reply. “The drivers cannot make such demands and they cannot demand the things that they are demanding without wanting to have a formal meeting about it. They do not want to hear reason why we cannot, at the moment, accommodate their demands,” said taxi owner, Mr William Galebetsi. Galebetsi also mentioned that the demands of the drivers are too high and they do not even consider the consequences that their actions are going to be causing for them.
On Thursday, October 2 some taxis were taken off the roads by drivers who had started the strike as they felt that they should stand united against the committee. On Friday, chaos erupted.
There were protests at the traffic circle leading to the entrance of KG Mall by taxi drivers who were striking. The protesting drivers allegedly forced commuters off other taxis not associated with LOTA, and they also forced bus drivers to offload their passengers.
Some buses had to return to their place of work and not resume duties for the day. Other taxis that were on the routes to aid commuters also had to park and not offer their services, as they feared that they could have their vehicles vandalised or be hurt by the protesting drivers.
The protest was however not the last of the incidents that occurred on that day. Tyres were burnt at the local taxi rank in eMalahleni Central Business District by drivers. Some of them went as far as vandalising their head office in Rhodes Street. Windows were broken and a fire was started, police arrived and the drivers fled the scene, leaving passer-bys and other occupants in the yard to put out the fire.
Pastor Mandla Khuzwayo, who runs his church services in the vicinity of LOTA head office, said that he heard the commotion and ran outside only to find a fire in front of the LOTA office.
“I shouted for the women to bring water, as I stood over the fire and moved the planks set alight away from the door of the building. The roof was about to burn, some paint had already been damaged,” said Khuzwayo. He added that had he not removed the planks, the building would have caught alight and burned down.
“I run my services here and have a congregation coming to a sermon this evening, I could not just let the drivers have their way,” added Khuzwayo.
Taxi owners and members of the board arrived one by one as the commotion was wearing down. Some were shocked at the sight of their office and were in disbelief at the extent of damage.
The taxi drivers are demanding bonuses from the association, a burial scheme, taxi owner positions as well as taxi permits from LOTA. The chairperson of LOTA, Mr Solly Vilane, said that they have met as the committee and reached a consensus with the drivers on how their demands can be met.
“The bonuses the drivers must discuss with their employer, the taxi owner. Regarding the burial scheme we have agreed to bury only two children, and they must make other arrangements if they have more than two children. As for the positions, the drivers are more than welcome to hold positions, provided they can pay the joining fee as per LOTA rules as well as obtaining a driving permit on their own accord,” said Vilane.
As of Monday, October 6 the taxi drivers were back at work and all was in order regarding their routes. Vilane said that they do not know how long this will last, but are hoping that the drivers have ceased fire and will work towards meeting the necessary conditions to being a member of the Local Taxi Association.
