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Commuters across Durban are bracing for major disruptions as minibus taxi operators prepare to suspend all operations from Thursday and Friday, following unresolved tensions between the taxi industry and the eThekwini Municipality.
The shutdown, which initially began as a protest by the Clermont KwaDabeka Taxi Owners Association, has now spread across all five taxi regions within the metro, with industry leaders confirming that no taxis will operate in Durban and surrounding areas for the two-day period.
Although the action coincides with the Clermont KwaDabeka shutdown – sparked by the impoundment of 25 taxis by Durban Metro Police last week – taxi leaders insist this is not a strike, but rather a deliberate suspension of service to express growing frustrations over unresolved issues with city authorities.
Taxi Industry Frustrated by Lack of Government Engagement
Speaking on behalf of the industry, Mathula Mkhize, chairperson of the eThekwini Municipality Taxi Council (EMTC), said the decision to halt operations stemmed from the municipality’s failure to meet with taxi leadership over the past two weeks.
“There’s a gap between government and Santaco at eThekwini level,” Mkhize said. “Even last week, we tried to initiate talks – not just about Clermont KwaDabeka – but broader issues affecting the industry. The impounding of vehicles and e-hailing conflicts are just the tip of the iceberg.”
According to Mkhize, Santaco has consistently attempted to engage with city officials, but meetings have been attended only by junior or mid-level managers with no decision-making power. The taxi council is now demanding a meeting with the mayor, city manager, and speaker to resolve the ongoing impasse.
Taxi Operators Reject the Term “Strike”
Mkhize was firm in rejecting the idea that the city-wide grounding of taxis amounts to a strike.
“We are not striking. We have no one to strike against since there has been no leadership from the city to engage with. This is about dialogue and respect,” he said.
He also noted that the Clermont KwaDabeka dispute had been escalated through proper channels – from the local association to the regional Santaco office and ultimately to the EMTC – after 25 taxis were seized in a multi-agency blitz operation last week.
Officials allege the affected vehicles were operating without valid permits, though Mkhize contends that even compliant vehicles were impounded, in violation of standard procedures.
Shutdown’s Impact on Commuters and Economy
The effects of the suspension are already being felt. With no taxis operating in Clermont for the past two days, many commuters have been forced to walk long distances to New Germany and Pinetown to access alternative transport.
One woman, who works at a warehouse in Westmead, shared her struggle: “I had to walk to Pinetown and was lucky to get a lift in New Germany. I’m still recovering from surgery, and this could have ended badly. But missing work wasn’t an option.”
The shutdown coincides with social grant payment days, raising additional concerns for vulnerable groups relying on public transport. Scholar transport has also been affected, with many learners unable to attend school, either within Clermont or in nearby suburbs.
Meanwhile, e-hailing prices have surged, with high demand pushing trip costs beyond affordability for many.
Metro Police Stand Firm
In response to the industry’s claims, Metro Police spokesperson Boysie Zungu reiterated that the city would not tolerate illegal operations.
“We cannot allow taxis to operate without permits. We had a meeting scheduled with the taxi association earlier this week, but they didn’t show up. We’re still waiting for them to return to the table,” said Zungu.
He added that Metro Police are helping operators who are in the process of renewing permits or registering new vehicles, which can temporarily affect the status of permits.
A Sector at Breaking Point
While the current shutdown is framed as a pause in operations rather than a formal protest, the message from taxi leaders is clear: without meaningful engagement from the city, the situation may escalate further.
As Durban faces a second day without taxi services, pressure is mounting on both the city and the taxi industry to find common ground before frustrations boil over into broader unrest.