Long distance taxi operators stage second day of blockades in Durban
Traffic in and around the Durban city centre has been disrupted following a second day of blockades by members of long distance taxi associations.
On Tuesday, several roads around the Greyville area, in the vicinity of the Independent Newspapers’ officers, were no-go areas after drivers blocked the roadways with minibus taxis.
There were also reports of cars being stoned and staff from various companies in the affected areas having to go back home due to the volatility of the protest.
On Wednesday morning, more roads were blocked, including Umgeni Road and surrounding roads.
According to the Durban Long Distance Taxi Association (DLDTA), the protest comes after several taxis were impounded in various parts of KwaZulu-Natal through South African Police Service (SAPS) Operation Shanela.
However, according to KZN MEC for Transport, Siboniso Duma, operators are in the city to collect their permits.
VIDEO| Long distance taxi operators are staging yet another blockade in Durban however the KZN DOT says the operators are collecting their permits. #KZNTraffic pic.twitter.com/iOZjhJtZd1
— Se-Anne Rall (@seannerall) October 30, 2024
In a statement, Duma added that in a meeting with operators last month, operators were informed that they needed to collect their permits.
"There were about 115 permits at that time, about 84 were to expire within 60 days, nine had already expired and 170 had already been issued," the MEC said.
"We remain committed to ensure stability in the taxi industry. It remains critical in terms of ensuring economic development in KZN," Duma said.
Law enforcement agencies have been deployed to maintain law and order, he said, adding that authorities have a responsibility to protect the rights of innocent citizens.
IOL News