Mpumalanga taxi drivers protest

"Chaos and confusion reigned on the major roads leading into the city this morning. This was as a result of the strike action by taxi operators belonging to the G8 Taxi Association," the municipality said in a statement.

According to the SABC, morning peak hour traffic towards Mbombela was backed up for more than 8km on the R40 and P2296 roads.

Members of G8 took to the streets demanding their own taxi rank. They later met provincial government officials.

"At the meeting with the representatives of the operators, it was agreed that a temporary station [taxi rank] be sought from where the aggrieved operators will continue to operate while a permanent solution is being explored."

It was agreed that the inconvenience caused by the blockades should be avoided at all cost.

"A task team has been set up to continue with the work of finding a lasting solution to the current disagreements that exist among all taxi operators that ferry passengers to and from the city."

 

Police spokesman Brigadier Selvey Mohlala said the protest was peaceful but police would continue to monitor the situation. No arrests were made and no damage was reported.