UPDATE: Taxi protest: Drivers vow to return on November 10

MBOMBELA – The members of SANTACO, whose protest action brought traffic to a near standstill this morning, say they will return on November 10, to air their grievances to the premier in person.

David Mabuza was not present to receive them this morning. They refused to meet with the Department of Public Works, Roads and Transport MEC, Sasekani Manzini, in his stead.

Manzini had to call Mabuza,  who said he would only be available to meet them on November 10. The protesters dispersed but said they would return on that date.

Fanyana Sibanyoni, SANTACO chairman in Mpumalanga, said they were insulted by government’s refusal to address their concerns. The body governs the taxi industry in the country.

Watch: SANTACO airs concern about scholar transport

Manzini, however, rejected their claims, saying she has had a number of meetings with the assocation. She explained that government was negotiating with them to give small operators 30 per cent of the market, but they would not accept it.

She added that the company, Habana, only had a contract in the Gert Sibane District, and certainly did not have 500 buses at their disposal. She added further that they had never brought up issues of permits with her department in the past.

One pedestrian told Lowvelder at 09:30, that she was still on her way to work, after her taxi from KaBokweni would take them no further than Kiaat Private Hospital. She was one of the many who had to walk to Mbombela.

Some incidents of violence were reported. One man, who wished to remain anonymous for fear or reprisal, said he was assaulted on his way to work. He was traveling on the R539 near the Sudwala Caves when he came across two taxis blocking the road.

“The one told me to stop. I said I wouldn’t. As I drove past he tried to grab my car keys. I tried to accelerate but the car was off. He hit me in the face. I managed to get my car started again and drove off.”

Protesters demand to see premier, October 27, 10:34

MBOMBELA –  Taxi protesters are refusing to leave the government complex until the premier addresses their concerns. The premier David Mabuza is apparently not at the Legislative building this morning.   The taxis are protesting scholar transport be done by local people and not outsourced to businesses outside the province.

October 27,09:55

MBOMBELA – Taxis are at the moment converging at the government complex under heavy police presence.  According to spokesman Capt Dawie Pretorius a heavy police presence is at the moment in the Riverside area.  “We do advise motorists to avoid the area as much as possible while the protest is on.”

October 27, 09:11

MBOMBELA – Shots have been heard near the Promenade Centre and vehicles have been damaged this morning.

According to CSG Hi-Tech Security Lowveld response manager, Callum Mac Pherson, the police fired stun grenades near the Promenade Centre.

He said there there have also  been reports of motorists’ vehicles being damaged in the Riverside area. “Some motorists windscreen wipers and mirrors have been broken.”

Police Flying Squad Capt Pieter Smit said there was reports that people were pointing firearms on the N4.

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October 27, 08:45

MBOMBELA – A planned taxi protest is causing chaos on the roads this morning.

Motorists have reported that the N4 coming from Malalane, as well as the R40 in Rocky’s Drift, has been congested due to the number of taxis headed for the city in convoy.

An urgent notice was sent out by the KLCBT warning motorists of the planned peaceful protest yesterday. It has been indicated that the assembly will take place at 07:00 at the Plaza taxi rank in Andrew Street, and the convoy will proceed to the Government complex between 09:00 and 10:00.

The taxis will be limited to the usage of the extreme left lane on the R40 to allow for traffic to flow freely. The protest’s cut-off time is 12:00.