Several Tshwane roads closed due to taxi strike
Workers have been left stranded the industry embarks on provincial strike a strike rejecting government’s R1. 135-billion grant relief.
On Monday morning, several roads in Pretoria were closed due to a taxi strike.
Commuters were also stranded as taxi operations came to a halt.
Tshwane metro police spokesperson Senior Superintendent Isaac Mahamba said officers were monitoring the strike.
“No violence reported thus far (on Monday morning).”
He said the R101 and Molefe Makinta roads at the entrance to Hammanskraal were closed earlier on Monday. The routes had since been reopened
In a Twitter post, the South African National Taxi Council (Santaco) condemned the blocking of roads and intimidation of people.
“We urge Santaco Gauteng and the general taxi industry to demonstrate a peaceful shutdown.”
Top Six Taxi Management chairperson Sam Kgaripane the taxi association had agreed the protests would be peaceful.
“We agreed there would be no movement of the taxis for the day. People should not be prohibited from taking other alternative transport, like buses,” he said.
Kgaripane said the taxi industry was hit hard by the lockdown and the R1. 135-billion government aid that would result in one member getting R5 000 was not enough.
READ MORE: Taxi fare increase expected in city
“That money does not even cover our monthly instalments. We need at least R20 000 per person. The minister (Fikile Mbalula) promised us relief and what he is bringing to the table is not.
“We are asking to go back to the national government and ask for more so that we can also be financially cushioned because right now we are suffering.”
He said that should the associations be called by Mbalula for discussions, the strike would come to an end.
Kgaripane said if this would not happen, then the associations would call for a national taxi strike and “take it to the streets”.
“Our families are suffering. Our government promised to assist us, now they should deliver.”
Meanwhile, speaking at a press briefing on Sunday, Mbalula said there was no more money beyond what was being offered to the industry.
“We cannot promise what the government cannot afford.”
The following streets were blocked by taxis:
– Ruth First Road towards Mabopane highway in Soshanguve
– Transfer and Aubrey Matlala Road in Soshanguve
– R55 road towards N14 highway in Olievenhoutbosch
– WF Nkomo Street and Kalafong Road in Atteridgeville
– Rebecca Street towards Vom Hagen Road in Pretoria West
Read original story on rekordeast.co.za
