KZN taxis operate normally as June 30 protests expected
KZN Provincial Office Manager Sifiso Shangase said the decision was taken after discussions with the organisers.
Commuters across KwaZulu-Natal have continued travelling without major disruption as taxi services remain operational on the morning of June 30.
The taxi industry in KZN has assured that operations will continue as normal during the March and March demonstrations expected throughout the day.
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As The Witness journalists travelled around Pietermaritzburg and the Midlands on Tuesday morning, taxi’s operated as normal however the roads were quiet.
Taxi’s were in full operation at both taxi ranks in the Pietermaritzburg CBD.
In the northern areas, including Copesville, taxis were operating on a much smaller scale. According to ward councillor Renisha Singh, taxis were less full as most people chose to stay at home for the day.
KZN Provincial Office Manager Sifiso Shangase said the decision was taken after discussions with the organisers.
“We took a decision that it will be business as usual. It was not clear to us what exactly was going to happen, but we agreed that we would continue operating as normal,” said Shangase.
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He said taxi operators met with the March and March organisers on Tuesday, where they were informed that most of the demonstrations would take place in Durban.
“It is business as usual for taxis as we continue providing transport to commuters. I’m driving today because my driver couldn’t make it from his area,” he said.
“We were told that most of the activities will be taking place in Durban, so people will need transport to get there. We are continuing as normal, and should the need arise, we will take the necessary decisions.”
Shangase, however, acknowledged that although taxi operations were continuing as normal, operators were experiencing lower passenger numbers.
