The central business district (CBD) of uMhlanga came to a standstill as hundreds of taxi drivers blocked key routes in and out of the area, on Tuesday.
What prompted the uMhlanga taxi shutdown?
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The blockade, involving more than 100 taxis, resulted in the closure of Umhlanga Rocks Drive near the bridge (both entry and exit points), the M4 on and off-ramps, as well as Lagoon Drive and Lighthouse Drive, leading to severe gridlock on the roads.
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According to reports, the cause of this blockade appears to be related to ongoing negotiations surrounding the establishment of a temporary taxi rank in uMhlanga.
In March 2023, the eThekwini Municipality conducted a public meeting to discuss options for creating both temporary and permanent bus and taxi ranks within the village.
However, a consensus has yet to be reached on this matter.
Law enforcement agencies, including the South African Police Service (SAPS) and Metro Police, are currently on the scene to monitor the situation.
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Senior Superintendent Boysie Zungu, spokesperson for the Metro Police, has announced that a meeting is scheduled for Tuesday to address the blockade and seek a resolution.
Onlookers took these videos of the tense shutdown, showing several taxi drivers patrolling the roads with heavy artillery.
