The North West Department of Community Safety and Transport Management says all roads that were closed this morning in the Dr Kenneth Kaunda region following a taxi blockade that left commuters frustrated, have been reopened.
The department says the roads were reopened following engagements with the protesting operators, but has however urged motorists to continue driving with caution.
The blockade affected major transport corridors including the R503 between Hartbeesfontein/Tigane and Klerksdorp, as well as the R30 towards Orkney.
Several internal roads were also obstructed, severely impacting mobility in and around the region.
According to the Chairperson of the South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO) at the Dr. Kenneth Kaunda Region, Shiyekile Mayekani, the protest is over several factors, including poor road infrastructure, issuing of permits and the impounding of their vehicles, among others.
Commuters, learners, and businesses have been left stranded as taxi operators block key routes in protest over long-standing grievances.
The operators are complaining about what they described as deteriorating road infrastructure, which they attributed to causing significant damage to their vehicles and increasing maintenance costs.
They cited the Jouberton township’s bad road conditions, adding that poor road conditions are undermining their ability to operate sustainably.
Furthermore, tensions have escalated over the issuing of operating permits and the presence of alleged illegal taxi operators.
Mayekani also accused traffic authorities of illegally impounding their vehicles, adding that the law enforcement measures are being applied unfairly, further intensifying the standoff.
The shutdown has had a ripple effect across the district, with many schools unable to operate normally and businesses reporting reduced activity due to the lack of transport other motorists are advised to use alternative routes.
