Tembisa route dispute finally resolved

A dispute between the Ivory Park Taxi Association (IPTA) and the Tembisa Alexandra Taxi Association (TATA) has been resolved.

On Tuesday, Tembisa drivers did not operate their taxis out of fear of being attacked.

On Wednesday, May 20, the drivers were still waiting for a resolution to the lengthy meeting which was held on Tuesday.

According to Tembisa commuters and drivers, who feared for their lives, there was a dispute between IPTA and TATA over routes which left commuters stranded.

TATA employees said the BRT road construction along Andrew Mapeto Drive is affecting the flow of traffic, which forces them to go through Mthambeka Section up to Kanana/Phomolong, an area where IPTA is operating.

From last week Thursday, TATA drivers were disturbed as IPTA objected to Tembisa taxis transporting commuters to Sandton, Sunninghill, Fourways and Randburg.

The matter was reported to TATA by its drivers, who feared for their safety and that of commuters and their vehicles.

On Monday, May 18, a driver was injured when stones were hurled at his car in Midrand.

“We are grateful no one was fatally wounded and there wasn’t much damage done to our vehicles,” said a TATA official who wished to remain anonymous.

By Thursday, May 21, everything was back to normal.