The Persistent Taxi Strike Amidst Calls for Impound Moratorium
In a continuation of the ongoing taxi strike, the South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO) has declared its decision to persist with the protest, which has caused significant disruptions and turmoil in Cape Town.
This decision comes as a response to the city’s strict measures against traffic violators, particularly taxi drivers, including the impounding of their vehicles.
The strike has led to road closures, gridlock, and the consequent closure of essential services such as schools and clinics.
SANTACO’s Unwavering Stance
SANTACO’s resolute stance to continue the strike was evident as the organization refused to halt the protest despite its escalating consequences.
This protest has been fueled by grievances expressed by taxi drivers against the city’s crackdown on traffic offenses and the impounding of their vehicles.
The disruptive nature of the protest became evident as traffic on the N2 highway was severely impacted, causing not only travel delays but also affecting operations at the Cape Town International Airport.
Human Toll of the Strike
The violent nature of the taxi strike has resulted in tragic consequences, with a reported death toll of five individuals.
These fatalities are as follows:
- A 40-year-old man, identified as a British national, was fatally shot on Thursday at Ntlangano Crescent, Nyanga.
- An officer from the Law Enforcement Advancement Plan (LEAP) lost their life while on duty on Friday at 20:15 along Miller Road in Nyanga.
- Another individual lost their life on Saturday in Mfuleni.
- On Monday, a man was shot and killed on Airport Approach Road.
- Another fatality occurred on Monday when a man was shot and killed on Borcherds Quarry Road in Nyanga.
SANTACO’s Negotiations and Action Plan
SANTACO took steps to address the situation by engaging in discussions with the National Minister of Transport.
These discussions, which took place on the 9th of August 2023 at 18:30, aimed to find a resolution to the ongoing conflict.
SANTACO announced its intention to seek an urgent interdict through legal channels.
This interdict would serve two purposes: to secure the release of all impounded vehicles and to prevent the City of Cape Town and the Department of Mobility from further impounding vehicles until the underlying issues are resolved.
Appeal for Patience and Inconvenience
In its statement, SANTACO acknowledged the inconvenience caused by the strike to commuters and the public at large.
It assured its members that an application for the interdict would be lodged within 48 hours, leading to a temporary cessation of operations until this legal process concludes.
SANTACO expressed its commitment to keeping the affected parties informed about any developments that arise during this period.
As the strike persists, the city faces not only logistical challenges but also the imperative to address the underlying concerns of the taxi drivers.
The outcomes of SANTACO’s negotiations and legal actions are anticipated to shape the resolution of this standoff, and the impact of the strike continues to be felt across various sectors.
