KZN Taxi strike strands Commuters for second day amid permit dispute

Commuters in Clermont and KwaDabeka, near Pinetown in KwaZulu-Natal, faced a second day of transport disruptions on Wednesday as a taxi strike continued, leaving thousands stranded. The Clermont and KwaDabeka Taxi Owners Association halted operations to protest the impoundment of 25 taxis by Durban Metro Police last Friday, allegedly for operating without valid permits. The strike, which began on Tuesday, has caused significant inconvenience, with residents unable to travel to work or school, prompting urgent calls for resolution between the taxi association and authorities.

The decision to strike followed violent clashes between the taxi association and e-hailing services, culminating in the impoundment of vehicles and the arrest of several operators after an altercation involving gunfire directed at an e-hailing driver. The association issued a statement on Tuesday, vowing to continue the strike until their demands for the release of the impounded taxis are met. Commuters, caught off guard by the sudden halt in services, expressed frustration, with some resorting to walking long distances or seeking costly alternative transport options to reach their destinations.

Efforts to resolve the standoff are underway, with KwaZulu-Natal Transport MEC Siboniso Duma and eThekwini Municipality Metro Police engaging in talks with the taxi association’s leadership. A member of the association, speaking anonymously, indicated that a meeting scheduled for midday on Wednesday would determine the next steps. SANTACO KZN spokesperson Sifiso Shangase confirmed that regional and metro taxi councils are working to mediate the dispute, emphasizing the need for a swift resolution to restore services. However, no immediate agreement has been reached, leaving commuters in limbo.

The strike’s impact has been profound, particularly for students and workers. Many learners, especially from primary and preschools, were sent home on Tuesday as educators could not reach schools, and matriculants preparing for exams faced additional stress. Residents like a Clermont commuter, who highlighted health limitations preventing them from walking to Pinetown or Durban CBD, called the situation “unfair.” Posts on social media echoed public frustration, with users urging better communication from taxi operators and improved road safety measures to prevent such disruptions.

This latest strike follows a pattern of transport-related protests in KwaZulu-Natal, with similar actions in 2024 over permit disputes and Operation Shanela’s enforcement actions. The provincial government, aware of the economic and social toll, has established a task team to address regulatory and route issues. As negotiations continue, commuters are left hoping for a resolution to restore normalcy, while the taxi industry’s grievances over permits and enforcement remain a contentious issue requiring long-term solutions.