taxi strike

KWAMHLANGA, SOUTH AFRICA – APRIL 17: Commuters board taxis during the nationwide bus strike on April 17, 2018 in KwaMhlanga, Mpumalanga. Thousands were left stranded and many forced to stand in long queues following a crippling bus strike where at least 50 bus companies shut down services across the country on Wednesday 17 April 2018. (Photo by Gallo Images / Sowetan / Thulani Mbele)

Taxi bosses warn JMPD of impending strike should demands not be met

The two associations, ARMSTA (Alexander, Randburg, Midrand and Sandton Taxi Association) and ATA, heeded the warning to the public of the ‘one-day shutdown’ last week, according to IOL News

taxi strike

KWAMHLANGA, SOUTH AFRICA – APRIL 17: Commuters board taxis during the nationwide bus strike on April 17, 2018 in KwaMhlanga, Mpumalanga. Thousands were left stranded and many forced to stand in long queues following a crippling bus strike where at least 50 bus companies shut down services across the country on Wednesday 17 April 2018. (Photo by Gallo Images / Sowetan / Thulani Mbele)

According to IOL News, the JMPD has been given a seven days’ notice to meet the demands of the ATA (Alexander Taxi Association) or face a formal strike.

Alexander residents bear the brunt of the war

More than 500 taxis have been impounded by metro officials during random traffic stops in the area. Thus, on Monday, hundreds of commuters, who rely on these taxis to get to work on time, were left stranded with no alternative means to get to where they were going.

Nompumelelo Nkosi, a resident of Alexander who relies on these to get to point-B every day could not hide her frustration, “I did not know anything about this nonsense. I wish they had informed us on time. Now, I have to call my boss and explain myself”

What will happen during the ‘one-day shutdown’

The two associations, ARMSTA (Alexander, Randburg, Midrand and Sandton Taxi Association) and ATA, heeded the warning to the public of the ‘one-day shutdown’ last week, according to IOL News. The message had circulated on social media, displaying the associations’ displeasure with the way they are being ‘targeted’ by the Ministry of Transport.

ATA spokesperson Jabulani Ntshangase announced that a memorandum had been handed over to the metro police and that a response was expected in no more than seven days, according to IOL News reports.

It does not seem like the metro police will budge

Chief Superintendent Wayne Minnaar has since come forward to address the issue, saying “more than 500 vehicles were impounded. It is alleged that some of the drivers were driving in the emergency lane with some driving without license discs. Our officers will be monitoring the situation”.

The Ministry of Transport has not been quoted responding to any of this. With hundreds, maybe thousands, of residents who may be affected by this ‘shutdown’, it is advised that businesses and workers find alternative measures to travel to and from work next week.