Disgruntled long-distance taxi operators in Durban blockaded the N3 and N2 highways on Monday, causing major congestion as their strike action entered a fourth day.
The strike, which started on Friday, has left thousands of commuters stranded, unable to travel from Durban to different towns and cities.
Operators are complaining about Operation Shanela, which targets those who have no operating permits.
Taking their strike action to the streets, operators on Monday used their minibus taxis to block the N2 and N3 near the EB Cloete interchange, as well as the N3 exit out of Durban and the M41 near Umhlanga.
In a public notice posted on the official Durban Metro Police Service Facebook page, the city police said they were addressing the strike in the Durban CBD.
They further confirmed that the protesters had blocked the N3 outgoing, causing significant traffic disruptions.
“Our officers are on the ground working to resolve the situation and restore traffic flow as quickly as possible. We urge all motorists to avoid the area and use alternative routes.”
“Your patience and cooperation are appreciated as we work to ensure public safety and order,” reads the notice.
Taxi operators say their strike action revolves around permit issues for the long-distance taxi industry, as well as the provincial police department’s Operation Shanela, which has resulted in taxis being impounded in the north of the province, mainly in Empangeni, Ulundi, Newcastle and Vryheid.
They argue that the provincial transport department has delayed the issuing of operating licences and permits that enable them to function legally.
They further claim that Transport MEC Siboniso Duma has refused to meet with them and address their demands.
KwaZulu-Natal transport department spokesperson Ndabezinhle Sibiya said they were working to speedily address the issue with the operators.
Sibiya said that Duma had met with the operators and was committed to addressing the issues.
“There was a team that was established comprising members of the association, as well as officials for the department of transport in the province. That team was given a mandate to deal with the issues that had been raised,” he added.
Over the past months, the operators have embarked on numerous strike actions over the same issue.
They also met with KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi two months ago.
