Watch: Taxis and trucks shut down Port Shepstone

Motorists have been advised to steer clear of Port Shepstone due to protest action that has resulted in the town’s entrances and exits being closed by protesters.

At the time of publishing, police were on the scene and traffic was starting to flow.

The protest action, which started this morning in Marburg on the N2, spread to numerous intersections, with taxis and trucks blocking the road.

An agreement has just been reached with the leadership of Ray Nkonyeni Municipality (RNM) and the South African National Taxi Council (Santaco) that roads should be opened.

This is according to a statement released by RNM late this afternoon.

Spokesman Simon April says RNM is aware of the taxi blockade in and around Port Shepstone which has affected (mostly) the N2 between Umtentweni and Murchison.

Various traffic intersections have been blockaded by trucks and/or taxis, disrupting traffic.

For many, especially parents of school-going children in Port Shepstone, Marburg and Albersville, as well as further south in Izotsha and Oslo Beach, it’s been a stressful and trying day.

“The leadership of the municipality, KZN Department of Transport (Operation Shanela – Public Transport Enforcement Unit), RNM Law Enforcement, SAPS and leadership of Santaco are currently in engagements to have roads opened,” says April.

He could not say when, but says the leadership and management of the municipality, and all relevant government agencies, are doing their best to have the matter resolved as soon as possible.

“We sincerely apologise for the inconvenience caused by this unfortunate situation.”