07 Aug 2023 | 07:56 AM UTC
South Africa: Minibus taxi drivers' strike ongoing Aug. 7; violence reported in and around Cape Town /update 2
Minibus taxi drivers' strike ongoing in Western Cape, South Africa, Aug. 7; violence and disruptions occurring around Cape Town.
Event
Civil unrest has been reported in various locations Aug. 7 following a collapse in negotiations between authorities and representatives of the South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO) in the Western Cape Province; further unrest is likely in the coming days. Most incidents of violence and road blockages are occurring in and around Cape Town as of early Aug. 7. Severe delays are reported along the N2 highway after an aggrieved driver allegedly shot and killed an individual and injured three others early Aug. 7. Golden Arrow buses have received a court interdict following reports of intimidating behaviors from striking taxi operators; MyCiti buses have limited their operations and suspended services along D01, D02, D03, D04, and 261 routes. The strike started Aug. 3 and is scheduled to continue until at least Aug. 9.
Since the strike started, reports have emerged of road blockages along the major N1, N2, and N7 highways. A City of Cape Town depot was reportedly petrol-bombed in Delft overnight Aug. 6-7, and at least six Golden Arrow buses burned. Police noted multiple incidents of stone-throwing against public utility and emergency service vehicles, with at least one police officer shot in the lower-income area of Nyanga Aug. 4. Other incidents have been reported in the areas of Khayelitsha, Harare, Wynberg, Atlantis, Hout Bay, and Milnerton.
Ground transportation disruptions are almost certain to persist, particularly in Cape Town and immediate surrounding areas. Protests, consisting of demonstrations, go-slow convoys, and roadblocks, are likely along major road routes, near taxi ranks, in city centers, and near airports and government buildings. Delays are highly likely along the N2 towards and coming from Cape Town Airport (CPT). Increased employee absenteeism and increased demand for alternative forms of transport, particularly bus and train services, are likely. Heightened security is likely near all protests. Additional acts of vandalism or arson are possible, especially near taxi ranks in Cape Town, along major highways, and in lower-income areas. Potential targets of violence may include buses and e-hailing drivers. Clashes amid protests are possible, and confrontations between striking and non-striking drivers may occur.
Context
The minibus taxi industry is responsible for a significant portion of South Africa's transport services. In Cape Town, SANTACO regroups both the Cape Amalgamated Taxi Association (CATA) and Congress of Democratic Taxi Associations (CODETA), which together control the majority of the city's taxi industry. Frequent disputes over ownership, security standards, and driving conditions between Western Cape Authorities and taxi associations have led to repeated bouts of protest and violence.
The current taxi strike is related to the impoundment of minibus taxis for traffic violations following the collapse of negotiations with the provincial government. Tensions resumed Aug. 1 when taxi operators staged a spontaneous protest in Cape Town's CBD, during which drivers clashed with the police. This also follows similar protest actions in November 2022 and February 2023.
Advice
Avoid all protests, taxi ranks, and areas recently impacted by violence. Exercise caution if utilising alternative forms of public transportation, particularly in lower-income areas. Do not drive through roadblocks until officials have cleared them. Heed the instructions of officials. Reconfirm the status of road routes before departure. Plan for increased demand for available alternative transport and increased employee absenteeism or delays. Plan for delays going towards or from Cape Town International Airport and for longer waiting times at airport processing.
