An estimated 10 000 taxi operators were expected to march to the offices of the SA Taxi Finance offices in Midrand.
On Wednesday, TaxiChoice chief operating officer Thulani Qwabe and president of the South African National Taxi Council (Santaco) Philip Taaibosch confirmed the protest would go ahead, after earlier conflicting reports indicated that the strike had been postponed.
“There will be minimal availability of taxis in the province and commuters are encouraged to use alternative transport,” said Qwabe.
#TaxiStrike: It keeps changing but these are just some of the routes to avoid at the moment...
They have the audacity to even say "We are pleased to Inform all passengers"Dankie M'shayeli
Avoid Midrand the N1 is blocked in both directions at Allandale. Pretoria Main Road is also affected. #taxistrike
The entrance of Eersterust, Pretoria. School children stranded due to #TaxiStrike. Taxi drivers arguing in Stormvoël towards Mamelodi.
“We beg our commuters to bear with us. This has taken us by surprise."
Tshwane metro police officers and the SAPS are overseeing the protest, which was expected to end by about midday.
“Taxis should be readily available from the afternoon and everything should return to normal,” said Qwabe.
Taxi operators said vehicle manufacturers, particularly Toyota, were to blame for the violence in the industry and stated that high prices were the cause of fighting over lucrative routes.
“The complaints are largely around the pricing of the Toyota vehicle which is now at about R400 000; previously it was at R129 000,” said taxi driver Samuel Khumalo.
#TaxiStrike Taxis obstructing roads near the Brakfontein, Buccleuch & Diepkloof interchanges, affecting the N1, N3, N14 & JHB M1 ^NS
Gauteng - #TaxiProtest TOMORROW: Taxi commuters should consider alternative travel arrangements
National Association of Automobile Manufacturers of South Africa director Nico Vermeulen, National Association of Automobile Manufacturers of South Africa, said any rolling mass action would have a negative impact on the cities and regions where it took place.
Frustrated Gauteng commuters took to social media to express their dismay. Phumzile Nkabinde said: “The poor school kids that are writing exams can’t get to school.”
Andrew Levy wrote: “It’s time to buy our own cars,” while Mornay van der Hof stated: “The one time I’m granted a job interview, there are no taxis.
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