Why Durban taxis went on strike — and what it means for commuters

Many commuters were left stranded in parts of Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, on Thursday morning after the South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO) announced a two-day strike. 

Santaco spokesperson Sphamandla Ndaba said last week, 30 taxis were impounded by the authorities west of Durban.

"They told them that they did not have operating permits. So, now, they are attempting to put forth their grievances because even when they do apply for permits, it takes a long time for them to be processed," said Ndaba. "Some were impounded because the number plates don't correspond with the taxis due to the change in the system."

Ndaba said taxi associations across the region joined in solidarity with their Clermont contemporaries. According to the Ndaba, there was a meeting at 5 pm on Wednesday regarding this situation, and the resolution for other taxi associations to join in on the strike was set.

"The demands are for the permit system to be fixed and for the impounded vehicles to be released," he added.

A commuter who works in the Durban CBD, Mbongiseni Mbhense, walked all the way from Clermont to Westville in search of taxis.

"I woke up at 5 am and walked on foot looking for transport to go to work to no avail. I had heard that today might be worse, but I didn't believe it. Now I am stranded," Mbhense said.

He was among other workers who were desperately flagging down private cars in attempts to hitchhike into the city.

Similarly, Lungi Nzuza woke up and went to the bus stop, but was startled by the lack of transport; neither buses nor taxi's were nowhere is sight. 

"It was quiet, and others just stood at the bus stop until it was nearly 8 am. We decided to go to the nearby mall to look for taxis that drop off people who work there, but it was also empty," she explained. 

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