Taxi strike leaves commuters and learners stranded
It is alleged that the Clermont and KwaDabeka Taxi Association strike comes after 25 taxis were impounded by Metro Police last week.
COMMUTERS and some learners were left stranded this morning (Tuesday, September 2) following a taxi strike which affected people commuting from Pinetown, Westville and the Durban CBD to Clermont and KwaDabeka.
Although messages about the strike were forwarded on WhatsApp groups, some people did not receive them and were shocked to find taxi ranks empty.
Learners, especially from primary and preschools, were sent home as most educators could not make it to school because of the strike.
Some people resorted to walking to work for fear of losing their jobs, while for others it was impossible.
“My health does not allow me to walk from Clermont to Pinetown. Thousands of people work in the Durban CBD, it is impossible for them to walk to there,” said a Clermont resident, adding that this was unfair, especially for the matriculants writing exams.
It is alleged that the Clermont and KwaDabeka Taxi Association members are complaining about the 25 taxis that were impounded by Metro Police last Friday.
Also read: 25 taxis operating without permits impounded in New Germany
The taxis were impounded between Clermont and Pinetown for operating without valid route permits during a Durban Metro Police operation.
MEC for Transport and Human Settlements Siboniso Duma said they are aware that Metro Police is currently in KwaDabeka and Clermont following the strike this morning.
In addition, Duma said they were informed by eThekwini Municipality Metro Police last night that its management met with the Clermont and KwaDabeka Taxi Association yesterday.
“Both parties discussed many challenges in relation to taxi operations and law enforcement. They agreed on how to resolve these challenges.”
The MEC is confident that eThekwini Municipality and the association will find a long-lasting solution.
It is unfortunate that passengers and community members at large, including students, have been inconvenienced.
“It is for these reasons that I have assigned a dedicated and hardworking team from Provincial Regulatory Entity to monitor the developments.”
Duma said he has undertaken to ensure that support is extended to all parties involved in the interest of stability and peace.
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