KZN Taxi Associations to Embark on Two-Day Strike, South Africans Concerned About the Implications
- Some KwaZulu-Natal taxi associations will embark on a two-day strike in solidarity with the Clermont and KwaDabeka associations
- Taxis from the Clermont and KwaDabeka associations were impounded after an attack on e-hailing drivers in which one person was shot
- South Africans shared their thoughts on the impending strike, with some expressing concern that taxi drivers could block roads
- An insider at the Department of Transport spoke to Briefly News about the department's plans to engage with the association
Source: Getty Images
Briefly News journalist Byron Pillay has dedicated a decade to reporting on the South African political landscape, crime, and social issues. He spent 10 years working for the Northern Natal Courier before transitioning to online journalism.
KWAZULU-NATAL – Commuters in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) have been urged to make alternative transport arrangements as the province could be affected by a two-day taxi strike.
KZN associations have announced that they will embark on the strike from Thursday, 4 August 2025, in solidarity with the Clermont and KwaDabeka associations.
Taxi operators have gone on strike in Clermont, Durban, following the impounding of 25 taxis on Friday, 29 August 2025. Law enforcement continues to remain present in the Clermont area to monitor safety and security amid the recent tensions.
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Will some taxis be available?
On Wednesday, 3 September 2025, a notice circulated online stating that KZN taxi associations would be taking part in the strike and, therefore, no taxis would be available. This led to confusion about whether it would be all associations in the province or just those in Durban.
South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO) KZN Chairperson, Boy Zondi, clarified that some taxis would be operational.
“I need to clarify that there will be taxis in the province; maybe they will not be available in Durban,” he said.
The Public Relations Officer for the Durban West Region Taxi Council clarified that taxi associations under the Durban West region would not be operating.
Department to meet with the associations
An insider at the Department of Transport (DoT) disclosed to Briefly News that the association would be meeting with them.
“The direction and way forward will come out of that meeting,” the insider said.
The department is hoping to find a solution to the strike.
Source: Twitter
Why were the taxis impounded?
Taxis were impounded in the area after recent tensions between taxi bosses and e-hailing drivers in the area. Taxi owners from Clermont and KwaDabeka allegedly attacked e-hailing drivers on 27 August, resulting in one being shot and another assaulted.
Police then descended on the KK Hostel the following day and took in 15 men for questioning in connection with the attack.
Authorities then started impounding taxis in the area, resulting in the strike action taking place.
South Africans weigh in on strike notice
Social media shared their thoughts on the impending strike action, with some expressing concern that taxi operators would prevent people from using other transport as well.
Jaco du Plessis said:
“Lol, they are shooting themselves in the foot.”
Slindile Matubatuba stated:
“Let’s hope they won’t interfere with the alternative transport.”
Zimbini Mpongoma agreed:
“I am hoping that they won't interfere with that alternative transport.”
Ajay Mahlalela Alfred asked:
“Why do police allow those imbecile drivers to do as they please, as always, though? We are abused.”
Debby Cuthbert noted:
“Sadly, SA has very few transport options😭.”
Katleho James said:
“They must not block roads. Should they do that, police must do their job and impound as many as possible.”
Rashid Gaffoor agreed:
“If they block roads, then they should be towed away and impounded. They must also be charged for the towing, and if they want the taxi back, they must pay for all the fees. That's how citizens are treated, so it should be the same for taxis.”
SANTACO dismisses Gauteng shutdown claims
Briefly News reported that the Ekurhuleni area also experienced a taxi strike following the impounding of vehicles.
SANTACO Gauteng explained that there would be no provincial shutdown, saying it would be limited to Ekurhuleni.
Thousands of commuters in Ekurhuleni were left stranded as the strike affected numerous areas.
SANTACO Gauteng condemns taxi patrollers who intimidate motorists offering lifts
Meanwhile, the South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO) in Gauteng has urged citizens to report criminality in the industry.
SANTACO Gauteng chairperson, Midday Mali, weighed in on reports that taxi patrollers were stopping motorists from giving lifts. Mali maintained that they wanted to rebuild trust, knowing they had a responsibility to provide a service and keep commuters safe.
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Source: Briefly News
