New taxi rank ruffles feathers

The location of Ballito’s new temporary taxi rank has had a mixed response from the community.
The makeshift rank was moved from outside Lifestyle Centre on Ballito Drive to behind the Sangweni Tourism Centre recently (‘Taxi rank moves to Sangweni’, Courier, March 28).
The move was sanctioned by the KwaDukuza executive committee as the previous location was in the way of construction on Ballito Drive.
Commenting on the Courier FaceBook page residents and commuters have complained that the new location may not have been the best choice.
Resident Ron Warwick said the rank looks “like a pig sty” while Nate Pepper said it portrays the town badly to tourists.
“It is right at the entrance of Ballito and is a huge eye sore.”
Commuter Winnie Maziya said she prefers the new rank as it is less dusty than the old one.
“But it still does not have a toilet and it is very small.”
But some residents feel the fuss is unnecessary, with Ryan Heydenrych saying he would be happy wherever the rank is.
“I wish people would just get over the fact that there will be a taxi rank in Ballito. The people who use the taxis also need to get into Ballito for work and shopping. Taxi users are also human. Take a second and put yourself in their shoes!”
In light of recent taxi shootings on the North Coast Jessica Galloway said innocent commuters are also being placed in harm’s way.
“Once again, the taxi rank is not the problem, it is the crime related to the taxi associations and their monopoly over public transport. With a bit of a facelift, much needed basic facilities and no crime, taxi services could be enjoyed by all.”
The rank will remain outside Sangweni Tourism Centre until construction starts on the permanent facility behind the Greenfields Service Station.
This could take between six and 12 months.