The Durban Metro Police have announced the conclusion of a taxi blockade that had disrupted several roads in the Durban CBD. Spokesperson Boysie Zungu confirmed that the taxis have now moved to different ranks, with Victoria Embankment and the M4 now reopened to traffic.
Metro police monitored the situation closely, utilizing ground personnel and surveillance from their camera room. The protests were reportedly linked to grievances from members of the Durban Long Station Taxi Association regarding delays in obtaining their operating licenses.
The blockade had significant repercussions for various commuter routes, including long-distance services to Zululand and Johannesburg. In response to the protests, the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Transport revealed that over 115 permits in Pietermaritzburg remain uncollected by the association.
Sfiso Shangase, spokesperson for taxi council Santaco in KZN, highlighted that members are facing multiple challenges. "Some have issues with SARS," he explained. "To uplift permits, one must be in good standing with SARS, and unfortunately, not all members meet this requirement." He also noted that previously, associations did not need a SARS pin to collect their permits, complicating the current situation further.