TRAFFIC ADVISORY

Traffic disrupted by taxi operators’ strike in Eastern Cape towns

Gqeberha, 2 May 2024 – The South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) wishes to advise road users that a strike by taxi operators has disrupted
traffic on most national roads in the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality in the Eastern Cape.

Taxi operators blocked the roads using their minibus taxis and trucks, over alleged non-payment of scholar transport claims since the start of the year.

The strike has affected learners, workers and ordinary motorists travelling to other centres. The blocked roads include the N2 and R63 west of Qonce, R72 between East London and Tsholomnqa, N2 outside Butterworth, N2 at Colosa Junction outside Dutywa, R61 at Cofimvaba and the R56 Khowa, formerly known as Elliot. In some areas, tyres were burnt on the road as a form of protest.

Eastern Cape Transport Department spokesperson, Unathi Binqose, has confirmed that there are challenges, some technical while others are beyond the department’s control. “Some emanate from the ongoing discussions with the taxi industry where we were pleading with them back in January/February to sign contracts to facilitate payments. However, there was stalling on their side which partly contributed to the problems we are faced with now. It is not related to the
unavailability of funds.”

SANRAL apologises to motorists for any inconvenience that the strike has caused and hopes that the relevant parties are able to reach an agreement so that the blocked roads are re-opened.

Motorists are asked to use alternative roads where possible.

//Ends