Taxi Dispute in South Africa: Amaphela Taxis Agree to Negotiate with Mondlo Taxi Association
In a bid to resolve a long-standing dispute, minibus taxi owners in Mondlo, KwaZulu-Natal, have agreed to negotiate with "metered" taxi owners, following a week of protests that brought the town to a standstill. The protests, which involved burning tyres, rocks, and branches, blocked access to Mondlo, affecting commuters, learners, and workers.
The dispute centers around Operation Shanela, a provincial public transport law enforcement initiative aimed at ensuring drivers earn a decent income and the public has affordable, safe, and reliable transport. Independent taxi operators, known as amaphela, claim they are being unfairly targeted by the patrols, which they say are treating them like criminals.
"We are helping the community get to their destinations, but they chase us all over the streets near our homes," said Bhekuyise Khumalo, chair of the Mondlo Door to Door taxi association. "We are treated like criminals, whereas we are helping the community get to their destinations."
The amaphela taxis, which started operating last year, offer a door-to-door service, dropping passengers off at their homes for an extra R10. This has led to a dispute with the Mondlo Taxi Association, which claims the new service is encroaching on their territory.
The associations met on Tuesday, with the Door to Door taxi association invited to apologize and apply for permits. Permits are only granted if there is space available on the route and at the taxi rank, and the process involves the municipality, the taxi association, and the department.
Ndabezinhle Sibiya, spokesperson for the KZN transport department, confirmed that the Mondlo Taxi Association is involved in the approval of permits. The department has agreed to continue enforcing compliance with Operation Shanela, ensuring drivers earn a decent income and the public has affordable, safe, and reliable transport.
The dispute highlights the ongoing challenges faced by the taxi industry in South Africa, with many operators struggling to make a living. The agreement to negotiate is a step towards resolving the dispute and finding a solution that benefits all parties involved.
