SANTACO Strike in KZN Enters Third Day as eThekwini Mayor’s Office Engages Taxi Industry

The ongoing strike by the South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO) in KwaZulu-Natal has entered its third day, leaving thousands of commuters across eThekwini stranded. The industrial action began after 25 taxis were impounded last Friday for allegedly operating without valid permits.

What initially started with taxi associations in KwaDabeka and Clermont has since spread across Durban, intensifying disruptions in the city. The strike comes against the backdrop of heightened tensions between taxi operators and e-hailing services, with violent clashes reported in recent weeks.

In response, eThekwini Mayor Cyril Xaba convened an urgent meeting with taxi leadership and the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Transport. According to the Mayor’s spokesperson, Mluleki Mntungwa, discussions focused on key grievances, including delays in issuing operating licenses and the release of impounded vehicles.

“As a city, we acknowledge that there are delays in the issuing of operating licenses. We have agreed with the Department of Transport to fast-track the process so that operators can run within the ambit of the law,” Mntungwa said.

He confirmed that 25 vehicles linked to the Clermont and KwaDabeka Taxi Association were impounded. Negotiations are underway to facilitate their release, but Mntungwa emphasized that any resolution must comply with legal processes.

The Mayor’s office stressed that its “doors remain open” for continued engagement to resolve the strike and restore normality. However, with commuters still facing uncertainty, the standoff highlights the ongoing strain between taxi operators and municipal authorities over regulation and enforcement.

Authorities say further meetings with taxi representatives are expected later this week in a bid to find an amicable solution and bring stability to Durban’s transport system.