KZN transport boss seeks peace amid tension between taxi operators and e-hailing drivers in Durban

In a bid to restore calm in the public transport sector, KwaZulu-Natal Transport MEC Siboniso Duma has expressed his confidence in finding a long-term resolution that fosters co-existence between traditional taxi operators and the e-hailing sector in Durban, particularly in the troubled Phoenix area. This commitment comes on the heels of a violent incident involving an e-hailing driver, who was reportedly assaulted on Saturday and had 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. 

“We have also put 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.” 

Regarding the Phoenix incident, Duma said that a team from his office and the department’s Public Regulatory Entity is in constant liaison 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.” 

Duma added that to sustain a climate of peace and co-existence in Phoenix, a closed meeting involving key stakeholders will be held on Tuesday. 

He said the meeting will be attended by 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. 

E-hailing drivers had descended on the police station on Monday morning, where the KZN E-Hailing Council wanted to speak to the station commander about their drivers being harassed.

Reacting to the meeting, KZN E-Hailing Council chairperson Sipho Mabika said: “This is where we will come up with a decision about how we will work together from now on, in order to prevent fights, conflicts, and people getting injured on the road.”

He stressed that they were unhappy with how the police had handled their case since the incident.

Asked if there were restrictions on where they can operate, Mabika said the law allows them to operate anywhere. However, on Tuesday, it will be clear how they will work together. 

An e-hailing driver, who wanted to remain anonymous, said the taxi industry wanted to maintain a monopoly over the industry. 

Voice of Phoenix executive member Vassie Govender said: “What has happened here has highlighted a dire need for a dialogue, for people to sit down around the table and discuss,” Govender said.

thobeka.ngema@inl.co.za