Jeffreys Bay taxi protest strands township commuters
A DARK cloud of smoke covered the townships of Jeffreys Bay yesterday as the local taxi association blocked all major roads into the areas with burning tyres.
The Humansdorp Taxi Association, which operates between the Kouga and Koukamma regions, has a problem with the Uncedo Taxi Association, which wants to operate in the area.
Residents from Jacob Zuma, Madiba Bay and Ocean View townships were stranded because Humansdorp association members were on strike to express their discontent.
The strike started at about 4am, and by 7am the police had their hands full trying to clear the area.
One of the taxi drivers, who declined to be named, said that on June 10, Uncedo had tried to launch its association in the area.
“We stopped the launch because we don’t know anything about them operating here,” the driver said. “No agreement was made with us. “There are no routes for them in this area. They know that their route is on the N2.”
Humansdorp Taxi Association chairman Phindile Hlela said Uncedo taxis were operating illegally.
“They are taking food from our mouths because they don’t have routes here,” Hlela said.
“We have called Transport Minister Dipuo Peters and we will meet her on July 1.”
Uncedo spokesman Luyanda Bentele said: “I will have to find out what is happening, but I can say that we have members in Jeffreys Bay and Humansdorp.”
However, an Uncedo official, who was not authorised to speak to the media, said: “We don’t have a problem with them transporting people to PE, so I don’t understand why they are having a problem with us.”
In Jeffreys Bay, some residents sided with the local taxi association.
Zikhona Ntabeni, 38, said she had not been able go to work yesterday.
“We are deeply affected but we understand their problems,” she said.
“They have every right to fight because Uncedo wants to take away their business.”
Nonjabulo Sigwebeni, 24, said, however: “They should have told us in advance about the strike.
“I could not go to work today and I won’t be paid for today.
“Their fights should not affect the commuters.”
Police spokeswoman Captain Gerda Swart said police were monitoring the area.