South Africa: Travel disruptions continue as public transport, taxis not operating in and around Mbombela, Mpumalanga Province, Sept. 29 /update 1

Event

Travel disruptions persist in and around Mbombela, Mpumalanga, Sept. 29 as public transport and taxis have suspended operations. Bus operator Buscor and local taxi drivers' associations are set to meet with authorities 14:00 Sept. 29. Taxis accuse the bus operator of running routes outside of its licensed conditions, outside of morning and evening hours. This follows a protest where taxis blocked major Buscor bus routes in Mbombela and surrounding areas on Sept. 28, despite a court interdict forbidding it from going ahead.

Transport disruptions could persist beyond Sept. 29 depending on the outcome of negotiations. Should taxi associations and bus operators not reach a resolution, road travel delays are likely, and violence is possible. Clashes are also possible between the taxi associations and the bus operators.

Advice

Avoid all protests. Use alternative transport to buses and taxis and plan for delays. Heed instructions from the authorities. Consider avoiding protest areas until the situation calms.