Germiston commuters stranded as taxi strike suspends services across Ekurhuleni
Taxi services were halted last Thursday and Friday in Germiston, leaving commuters reliant on alternative transport as authorities work to resolve disputes over unroadworthy vehicles and operating permits.
Commuters across Germiston were left stranded last Thursday and Friday after the Germiston Taxi Association suspended all services in the Ekurhuleni area.
Taxi ranks stood empty, with long queues of frustrated passengers waiting in vain for transport. Many were forced to seek alternative means, turning to private cars, lift clubs, and e-hailing services to reach workplaces, schools, and appointments.
The City of Ekurhuleni (CoE) assured residents that municipal operations remained largely unaffected. All clinics, libraries, recreational centres, and customer service halls were open as usual.
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Technical response teams were on standby in case service delivery was disrupted. Only the Harambee Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system was suspended as a precautionary measure pending safety assurances.
Law enforcement officers from the EMPD, SAPS and Gauteng Department of Transport monitored the situation, which remained calm.
The strike was sparked after several taxis were impounded for being unroadworthy or operating without valid permits.
Taxi operators argued that the government was unfairly targeting them while failing to process operating permits on time. Taxi bosses have called on national government to intervene in the dispute.
In a statement released by the ANC Caucus in the CoE, they acknowledged the frustrations within the taxi industry but urged restraint from all sides.
“At this critical time, we call for calm, restraint, and respect for life and property. The safety of commuters, workers, learners, and all residents of Ekurhuleni remains our foremost priority,” said Sizakele Masuku, ANC Chief Whip.
They confirmed that constructive engagements are taking place with taxi industry leaders, the MMC for Roads and Transport, the Gauteng MEC for Transport, and the National Minister of Transport.
ALSO READ: EMPD clamps down on unroadworthy taxis
The aim is to find a sustainable solution that balances commuter safety, industry concerns, and the city’s development agenda.
“The caucus strongly condemned any acts of violence, intimidation, or damage to property, saying such actions “undermine our shared vision of building a safe, peaceful, and prosperous Ekurhuleni.”
While the strike was peaceful, its impact on ordinary residents was immediate. Workers faced late arrivals at offices, learners missed school, and small businesses reliant on customer foot traffic reported a sharp decline in trade.
For many residents, taxis remain the only affordable and accessible mode of daily transport. The city has expressed hope that an agreement will be reached soon to restore services and ease the burden on commuters.
