South Africa: Taxis blocking major bus routes in Mbombela and surrounding area, Mpumalanga Province, Sept. 28

Event

Taxi associations are blocking major Buscor bus routes in Mbombela and surrounding areas, Mpumalanga Province, to protest against alleged unlawful competition, Sept. 28. Taxis accuse the bus operator of running routes outside of its licensed conditions, outside of morning and evening hours. The protest is ongoing despite a court interdict forbidding it from going ahead. The situation is still ongoing and roads could open/close on short notice. The following axes are reportedly blocked:

• Bester Street in Mbombela downtown area

• Kragbron Street in Mbombela downtown area

• R40 at Marite

• R538 Numbi Gate Road

• R40 at Casterbridge

• R40 near Msholozi

• R40 near Barberton

• R40/R38 Intersection

• N4 near Elandshoek

• N4 from Sudwala

Buscor service delays are very likely. Road travel delays are also likely from the ensuing blockades. Since the protest has been forbidden, it is likely police will deploy to clear the roads and disperse protesters. Violence is possible should taxis refuse to disperse. Clashes are also possible between the taxi associations and the bus operators.

Advice

Avoid all protests. Use alternative transport to buses and plan for delays. Do not drive through protester roadblocks. Consider avoiding the affected area until the situation calms.