This Thursday, the streets of Soweto will be notably quieter in some areas but congested in others as a taxi shutdown leads to a significant protest, causing disruptions across several key routes.
UPDATE: The JMPD has since issued a statement confirming the Soweto shutdown was, as previously reported, not linked to existing tensions in the taxi industry. Instead, according to Gauteng law enforcement, residents in Noordgesis and Pennyville barricaded roads “over power outages in the area.” Vehicles are being diverted away from these closures and motorists are urged to exercise extreme caution and to use alternative routes such as Main Reef Road, Ben Naude Street in Diepkloof, Masopa Street in Diepkloof and in Orlando East and Chris Hani Road.
Soweto taxi shutdown: Roads affected on Thursday, 18 April 2024
The heart of the disruption will be at the intersection of Soweto Highway and Main Rd in Noordgesig, where protestors have placed burning tyres and rubble, effectively blocking the road.
The Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) has dispatched officers to the scene to monitor and manage the situation.
They have reported that the closures are likely to result in heavy traffic disruptions as vehicles are forced to divert from their usual paths.
JMPD spokesperson Fihla noted,
“Officers have been dispatched. The cause of the protest is suspected to be related to service delivery issues. Expect heavy delays in the area with traffic disruptions due to the closures. Motorists are advised to use alternate routes such as the N17.”
What is the reason behind the protest?
While the immediate trigger of Thursday’s shutdown in Soweto is not directly linked to any specific taxi organisation, the timing follows recent disputes between local taxi associations, which may have contributed to tensions.
Gauteng MEC for Transport and Logistics Kedibone Diale-Tlabela acknowledged ongoing discussions with stakeholders, including the Witwatersrand African Taxi Owners Association (WATA) and the Nancefield Dube West Taxi Association (NANDUWE).
These talks come in the wake of long-standing conflicts over taxi routes, which have not been officially addressed in the context of this week’s road closures.
The Department of Roads and Transport has not issued a formal statement on the closure of routes operated by the feuding taxi groups. Diale-Tlabela urged the public to stay informed through official channels, stating,
“The Department appeals to members of the public to always verify any information or announcement relating to the Department by checking our social media pages for updates.”
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