Disgruntled taxi operators have closed the gates of Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) for more than two weeks now.

They demand that student accommodation owners not be allowed to transport students.

The chairperson of Top Star Taxi Association, John Mavundla, said he was aware that some members had barricaded the TUT gates, demanding to be the only transport service provider of students from residences to the campus. He claimed that he had instructed the drivers to vacate the area and not to disturb classes at the university. “The members who closed the gates went there on their own accord and not on behalf of the organisation.

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“The organisation is aware that some of its members are not happy with the student accommodation owners because they are now transporting the students, which is considered the responsibility of the taxi operators. But there are other ways that the matter can be resolved,” Mavundla said.

He said they are planning to meet with the owners of the accommodation establishments and TUT management.

The taxi drivers who are barricading the university’s gate alleged that the student accommodation owners stole their jobs by transporting the students to the campus.

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“We are supposed to be the ones that transport the students. We were supposed to share the benefits of having higher education institutions in our area. We tried to engage the relevant people to work with us, but they refused. We also met with the university management, but all was unfruitful. We also realised that they were not taking us seriously. So we have brought the institution to a standstill until our concerns are heard and addressed accordingly,” said the drivers.

They added that they would not allow TUT students or staff to enter the premises until the problem is resolved. They promised that they would not resort to violence unless they were forced to.

TUT’s spokesperson Phaphama Tshisikwane said the university was aware of the closure. She will provide further information once the matter has been resolved. She also said some of the students are continuing with digital classes at home.