Images of taxis on strike in Cape Town
Shocking images circulated on social media on Thursday afternoon showing scenes of violence and arson during a taxi strike in Cape Town. Following the announcement of a seven-day provincial strike by the South African National Taxi Council (Santaco), dozens of minibus taxis have left the city, causing major traffic jams on the main roads linking Cape Town to the suburbs surrounding areas.
From 3 p.m., traffic jams were reported on major roads due to the departure of taxis from the city. Shortly after, incidents of public violence were reported, leading to the closure of the N2, M5 and Jakes Gerwel Drive, city traffic services spokesperson Kevin Jacobs confirmed.
Videos widely shared on traffic messaging groups showed looting between Duinefontein and Jakes Gerwel Drive, while a traffic services vehicle was set on fire on the N2. In another incident, a bus was set on fire at the Nyanga taxi stand.
Renewed tensions between local government and the minibus taxi service began last week when Santaco withdrew its participation in the minibus taxi task force, an initiative aimed at resolving licensing issues and other grievances in the province from the Western Cape.
A meeting was called between the taxi council, its leaders and regional associations in response to enforcement operations in the city earlier this week, during which 15 minibus taxis were seized and several people arrested.
Santaco vice-president Nceba Enge said all taxis in the area were being “called” while speaking to the Mail & Guardian. “We hope they [the local government] feel the pain of the people who are left without transportation right now,” Enge said, sharing a video showing the empty Mitchells Plain North Transport Interchange Station, the travelers being left abandoned.
In a statement, Santaco said it had taken the decision to go on strike from 3 p.m. on Thursday and resume services on August 10. “This decision was not taken lightly, but as an industry we have no choice but to go on strike due to the government’s frivolous seizure operations, which have a negative impact on our operators and our industry,” the statement said.
According to Santaco provincial spokesperson Mandla Hermanus, 6,000 taxis have been seized since January. “During this strike, there will be no marches or protests. All operations will cease and we have asked our operators to refrain from any acts of violence and threats,” the statement said..
These disturbing images demonstrate the extent of the discontent among taxi drivers in Cape Town and the climate of persistent tensions with local authorities. This prolonged strike will undoubtedly have a significant impact on the travel of people in Cape Town and will require a rapid response from the authorities to resolve the underlying issues that have led to this situation.