KZN transport chief's initiative to ease tensions between taxi operators and e-hailing drivers
E-hailing drivers voice their concerns outside the Phoenix Police Station, calling for a resolution to ongoing tensions with traditional taxi operators.
Image: Tumi Pakkies/ Independent Newspapers
IN an effort to restore calm within the public transport sector, KwaZulu-Natal Transport MEC Siboniso Duma has expressed confidence in finding a long-term resolution that promotes co-existence between traditional taxi operators and the e-hailing sector in Durban, particularly in the troubled Phoenix area.
This commitment follows a violent incident involving an e-hailing driver, who was reportedly assaulted on Saturday and forced to pay R5,000 for the return of his vehicle.
“We remain confident that a long-lasting solution will be found to ensure co-existence of taxi operators and the e-hailing sector in Phoenix and other affected areas in Durban,” Duma said.
To address the ongoing issues, Duma has also placed the Operation Shanela Team and the Road Traffic Inspectorate on standby.
“Critically, we are experiencing an influx of complaints of harassment from e-hailing drivers and residents from Phoenix, Chatsworth, Overport, Chesterville, KwaMashu, KwaDabeka, Inanda, and many other areas. We are attending to these complaints,” he added.
Regarding the Phoenix incident, Duma noted that a team from his office, along with the department’s Public Regulatory Entity, is in constant communication with the KZN E-Hailing Council and the SAPS Phoenix Police Station.
“We have agreed to allow SAPS to continue with an investigation into the assault and extortion,” Duma said.
“In particular, we thank the SAPS Team from Phoenix Police Station, under the leadership of the KZN Provincial Commissioner Lt General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, for ensuring peace and stability.”
To foster a climate of peace and co-existence in Phoenix, a closed meeting involving key stakeholders is scheduled for Tuesday. The meeting will include representatives from the KZN E-Hailing Council, Phoenix Local Taxi Association, South African National Taxi Council eThekwini Regional leadership, SAPS Phoenix Police Station, KZN Department of Transport Public Regulatory Entity, and eThekwini Metro Police.
On Monday morning, e-hailing drivers gathered outside the police station, where the KZN E-Hailing Council sought to speak with the station commander about the harassment faced by their drivers.
“This is where we will come up with a decision about how we will work together from now on, to prevent fights, conflicts, and people getting injured on the road,” KZN E-Hailing Council chairperson Sipho Mabika remarked.
He also expressed dissatisfaction with how the police had handled their case since the incident.
When asked if there were restrictions on where they could operate, Mabika clarified that the law allows them to operate anywhere. “However, on Tuesday, it will be clear how we will work together,” he added.
An e-hailing driver who did not want to be named voiced concerns that the taxi industry was attempting to maintain a monopoly over the sector.