Joburg commuters also affected by #TaxiStrike

Protesting taxi operators allied to the National Taxi Alliance (NTA) brought the Pretoria CBD to a standstill on Wednesday. Picture: Jonisayi Maromo/ANA

Protesting taxi operators allied to the National Taxi Alliance (NTA) brought the Pretoria CBD to a standstill on Wednesday. Picture: Jonisayi Maromo/ANA

Published Nov 8, 2017

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Johannesburg - Frustrated taxi commuters in Joburg had to find alternative transport on Wednesday morning due to the massive strike.

Amanda Zwane of Mofolo said she had woken up earlier because she knew the buses would be packed.

"There was no other way. If I had a car, it would be better. I have been waiting at the [Boomtown,Orlando East] bus station for more than 40 minutes. The buses from [the] Thokoza Park [bus station] are full when they get here.

“I have to get to work. My boss would not understand that there is a strike. If I don't make it, a day’s salary will be deducted come month end. It's frustrating,” Zwane said.

ALSO READ: #TaxiStrike: Roads leading to Pretoria at a standstill

Another commuter Mbali Mbatha, a 16-year-old pupil at Letsibogo High School said she did not have any exams but they were busy with revision.

“It is important that I get to school because we are preparing for the exams,” she said.

On Tuesday, the Gauteng Department of Education said it was concerned about the timing of the strike.

“All chief invigilators will assist and afford all Grade 12 pupils who might arrive late an opportunity to write their final exam accordingly.  The department will invoke necessary prescripts for all those learners who might not make it to the exam. Chief invigilators will also use their discretion, to accommodate learners to write at alternative centres,” education spokesman Steve Mabona said.

There were no taxis at the Bara taxi rank. 

Fewer taxis could be seen transporting commuters from the Bree taxi rank in Johannesburg.

In Tshwane, the City’s spokesperson Lindela Mashigo said services were disrupted.

“The A Re Yeng bus operation has been suspended in the wake of blockades along the shared routes in Mamelodi. There have been delays of Tshwane Bus Services in Pretoria North due to  some drivers not being able to make it to bus depot.

“The protest action is thus anticipated to impact on the  operational efficiency and performance in the City's customer care centres. The customer care centres might be operating with limited personnel as some employees might not be able to make it to their various workstations,” Mashigo said.

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