Ekurhuleni taxi strike: Transport union (SATAWU) calls on law enforcement to prevent violence

JOHANNESBURG - The South African Transport and Allied Workers Union (SATAWU) is calling on law enforcement agencies to monitor the taxi strike in the City of Ekurhuleni closely to prevent it from spreading and becoming violent.

The union warned that in the past, other public transport drivers have been affected by the violence happening during strikes.

The South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO) drivers in the Ekurhuleni have downed tools after the Department of Transport started impounding their vehicles that don’t have operating licenses.

SATAWU said its members in the bus sector are operating while the taxis have come to a standstill.

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However, it has raised concerns, saying in the past, when taxi drivers have gone on strike, bus drivers would be attacked and called to join the protests.

It has been reported that 16 vehicles have been impounded for operating illegally and not being roadworthy.

The taxi drivers will need to pay R5,000 to get their vehicles back.

SATAWU spokesperson Amanda Tshemese explained: “We are not insinuating violent activities, but anything is possible, especially because SANTACO has warned that the strike might stretch to other parts of Gauteng.”

SANATACO is currently in a meeting with the Gauteng Transport Kedibone Diale-Tlabela to find resolutions to the problems.