The Maphumulo Taxi Owners Association, joined by affected residents, marched to the Road Traffic Inspectorate (RTI) offices in Groutville on Wednesday, calling for urgent intervention in a long-running route dispute that has disrupted public transport and left thousands of commuters stranded.

The dispute centres on the Doringkop and Madundube taxi routes, where tensions between the Maphumulo and KwaDukuza taxi associations have persisted for years.

Following a shooting incident on Doesburg Road near Lindelani in March, the Maphumulo Taxi Owners Association was suspended from operating on the disputed routes for 60 days.

The association said the suspension was later extended despite the matter already being before the courts, sparking protests that led to the R74 being closed and a truck being set alight last week.

During Wednesday’s march, the association handed over a memorandum demanding the urgent finalisation of operating licence applications that have allegedly been delayed since May 2024.

It also called for an end to the impoundment of taxis while the licensing process is being resolved, the implementation of previous agreements with transport authorities and a formal meeting with officials within 14 days.

The memorandum further alleges that taxis continue to be impounded despite earlier undertakings that enforcement action would be suspended while outstanding operating licence applications were being processed.

It also accuses Operation Shanela of continuing to stop, arrest and impound taxis operating on recognised routes, affecting both operators and the communities that rely on them.

Association member Nkonathi Dlamini confirmed that taxi services would resume on Thursday, bringing relief to thousands of commuters.

“All our taxis will be back on the road tomorrow, except for the Doringkop and Madundube routes, which remain suspended,” said Dlamini.

He said the association hoped the Department of Transport would urgently address its demands so that the remaining suspended routes could also return to normal operation.

The association maintained that it remains committed to resolving the matter through peaceful engagement but urged authorities to act swiftly to end the prolonged uncertainty facing both taxi operators and commuters.