Durban, Sep 4, 2025 — Commuters across Durban were left stranded on Thursday as a two-day taxi strike paralyzed the city’s transport network. Empty ranks and halted services underscored the central role of the taxi industry in the daily lives of thousands, while exposing deeper structural and regulatory weaknesses.
The strike, announced by Santaco (South African National Taxi Council), came after 25 taxis belonging to the Clermont and KwaDabeka Taxi Association were impounded by Metro Police last week. Combined with ongoing disagreements over permits and e-hailing transport regulation, taxi operators vowed to keep vehicles off the roads until their demands are met.
“Taxis will not operate until our concerns are addressed,” said Mathuli Mkhize, leader of the eThekwini Metro Taxi Council.
Immediate Impact: Commuters and Businesses in Crisis
For ordinary Durban residents, the strike meant long detours, rising transport costs, and missed work. Saneliwe Myeni, commuting from Mbumbulu to Durban CBD, said:
“A trip that I would normally pay R60 for now costs R170 — unaffordable for most people. E-hailing is not an option, and the taxi owners keep a watchful eye on the routes. I hope this strike ends soon.”
Vendors at taxi ranks, whose livelihoods depend on the steady flow of passengers, reported a dramatic drop in sales. One Umlazi vendor lamented:
“It’s 09:00 and I haven’t made any money. I might just go home.”
Negotiations Stall, No End in Sight
In response, Mayor Cyril Xaba convened an urgent meeting with key stakeholders, including:
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eThekwini Metro Taxi Council leadership
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City Manager Musa Mbhele
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KwaZulu-Natal Department of Transport officials
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Councillors representing Clermont and KwaDabeka
Despite talks continuing overnight and resuming at dawn, no resolution was announced by mid-morning. Officials urged taxi leaders to suspend the strike, citing public safety and service continuity, but the stalemate reflects a larger systemic challenge in South Africa’s taxi sector.
Analysis: Beyond the Strike
While this dispute centers on impounded taxis and permits, it sheds light on persistent issues in Durban’s minibus taxi industry:
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Regulatory Tensions – Traditional taxi operators are grappling with formalization pressures, including e-hailing regulations and stricter permit enforcement.
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Economic Vulnerability – Strikes disproportionately impact low-income commuters and informal vendors, who have limited alternatives.
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Government Challenges – City authorities face a balancing act: supporting the taxi industry while maintaining transport services for millions.
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Structural Weaknesses – Repeated strikes highlight gaps in dispute resolution mechanisms, enforcement, and oversight.
Experts warn that without long-term regulatory reform and improved stakeholder engagement, such disruptions will remain a recurring feature of urban transport in South Africa.
What This Means for Durban Residents
The strike is more than a temporary disruption — it is a symptom of deeper governance and infrastructure challenges. Commuters are forced to pay inflated prices or endure lengthy detours, vendors lose daily income, and the city’s economy slows.
Mayor Xaba reassured citizens that the city remains committed to resolving the dispute, while also pledging support to the taxi industry. Still, as of 11:00 Thursday, there was no word on whether services would resume, leaving thousands in uncertainty.