Public transport services have resumed in parts of the South Coast following a two-day strike by bus and taxi operators. Simon April, a spokesperson for the Ray Nkoyeni Municipality, confirmed that "as of this morning, taxis, buses, and scholar transport are operating as normal."
The strike was prompted by discontent among business owners over the impounding of approximately 30 minibuses during the police's Operation Shanela law enforcement drive. Transport MEC Siboniso Duma met with the affected business owners and representatives from the taxi council, Santaco, in Port Shepstone on Tuesday to address their grievances.
During the strike, which impacted areas in and around Ugu, numerous roads were blocked by vehicles and burning debris. In Port Shepstone, protesters also blocked a route in Murchison and set a car on fire, prompting police to fire warning shots.
April noted that additional agreements were made with taxi operators and Santaco to prevent future disruptions. "A further meeting was held with the delegation of taxi operators and Santaco where other agreements were reached on the way forward," April said.
One business owner described the situation as frustrating, noting that roadblocks hindered access and disrupted normal operations. "Most of our main roads were blocked by trucks. Unfortunately, we couldn't access many roads, and I was unable to work normally because my staff couldn't attend work," she said.