*Disclaimer: This article was updated on 3 March 2022 to correct the spelling of ‘Captain Nathalie Martin’
A total of 23 people were recently arrested for public violence after taxi drivers formed blockades on some roads around Stellenbosch. This was according to Captain Nathalie Martin spokesperson for the Stellenbosch South African Police Service (SAPS).
“One taxi driver was arrested due to outstanding fines, so the other taxi drivers blocked the R44 and then moved to the Traffic Department,” said Martin. “They were protesting because of the guy who was arrested.”
Law enforcement vehicles were stationed outside the Stellenbosch Traffic Department on Joubert Street during Monday’s protest. In the picture, a taxi is seen on a flatbed truck. Photo: William Brederode
The Stellenbosch taxi rank was also temporarily obstructed by the protestors, according to a local taxi driver who would only identify himself as Frank. “Three drivers blocked the entrances of the taxi rank,” the taxi driver said.
Law enforcement and members of SAPS were present outside of the traffic department on Monday afternoon, and it is believed that several taxis were impounded by law enforcement as a result of the protests.
It is believed that several taxis have been impounded by the Stellenbosch Traffic Department following the recent protest in this town. Photo: William Brederode
The Stellenbosch Municipality meanwhile stated on their official Twitter account that rumours on social media of gunshots being fired during the protest, were false.
“These were flash grenades. Not gunshots,” the municipality’s tweet read.
Hazard lights on
While the protest was prompted by the arrest of a taxi driver, the disruption was indicative of neglect to the taxi industry, claimed Nelson Lamityi, a representative of the South African Transport and Allied Workers Union.
“It’s a sector [the taxi sector] which belongs to the dustbins of history,” said Lamityi. “I can safely say that the department [of Transport] needs to intensify – aggressively – changes in the industry.”
The taxi sector has been neglected and needs to change, claims Nelson Lamityi, a representative of the South African Transport and Allied Workers Union. Photo: William Brederode
In order to alleviate difficulties experienced by taxi operators through the Covid-19 pandemic, the Department of Transport launched the taxi relief fund on 11 January. Operators who are South African citizens or permanent residents, have a valid operating licence and are registered to pay tax with SARS are eligible to receive R5 000 in compensation if they apply before the end of February, according to the department’s website.
“I had to use my savings to cope,” said Frederick van Kerwel, taxi driver and owner, about operating through the pandemic. “R5 000 is small in a sense, but if you can get something you should get something.”
MatieMedia reached out to Stellenbosch Municipality for more clarity on the protest, but they have not replied by the time of publication.