18 taxi drivers arrested in Eastern Cape strike
Schools postpone exams; commuters left stranded
At least 18 taxi drivers were arrested on Friday following the Eastern Cape taxi drivers’ strike, said police spokesperson Sibongile Soci. She said the arrested drivers are charged with arson, public violence and malicious damage to property and will appear in court soon.
Spokesperson for the Eastern Cape Department of Education, Loyiso Pulumani, confirmed that exams have had to be postponed at a number of high schools in the province as a result of the strike action. The department issued an advisory to all principals asking them to reschedule. In rural areas, however, students were not affected.
In East London the strike started in the early hours of Friday morning. Roads inside the CBD were blocked with burning tyres and drivers prevented any car from entering. The N2 between East London and Butterworth was also blocked.
Power to the railway lines at Fort Jackson near Mdantsane were cut. Cars were not allowed to leave Mdantsane. When cars tried to force their way, taxi drivers threatened to beat up the drivers.
Sisanda Mdeuka, who works at Mdantsane City Mall in NU6, said she walked almost four hours to work today from NU17.
“I had no choice than to come to work today because if I didn’t I was not going to get paid,” said Mdeuka, adding that only five people managed to get to her place of work.
Student Anitha Mandla from Mdantsane NU 14 said she walked for three hours to Rhubusana. Even though the exams were postponed in a number of schools, those writing at the Rhubusane Education Centre in Mdantsane started their Life Science paper at 2pm.
In Mthatha, commuters were left stranded. “This is very stupid. We have nothing to do with their permit, but they are preventing us from going to work,” said Asiphe Njem. She also witnessed a teacher being attacked by taxi drivers in Mthatha.
Taxi drivers are accusing the MEC for transport, Weziwe Tikana, of long delays in issuing permits.
Taxi driver Luyolo Macanda said he has been waiting three years for his permit. He said he used to drive an old Avanza car but was advised by other drivers to buy a new Avanza because Tikana had promised to issue them permits.
“I bought this car thinking I was going to get a permit but that did not happen. Till today I’m still waiting,” he said.
Transport department spokesman Ncedo Kumbaca said following a number of violent incidents where associations were fighting over routes, the department had decided to engage with local planning authorities to verify routes before it could adjudicate over new applications.
Premier Phumulo Masualle’s spokesperson, Sizwe Khuphelo, said a meeting had been held between the taxi representatives and the premier. A memorandum was handed over to Masaulle.
The protests ended just before 4Â pm yesterday afternoon.
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