Why is there a taxi strike in Cape Town? Is it safe to travel?

Why is there a taxi strike in Cape Town? Is it safe for tourists to travel?

  • Taxi drivers in Cape Town announced a week-long strike in the city on Thursday
  • The strike has been listed as a high-level security threat for UK tourists 
  • Who is affected and is it safe for British tourists to travel there? 

Taxi drivers in Cape Town, South Africa, announced a week-long strike in the city on Thursday (August 3).

This has caused chaos in the capital, as minibus taxis are the main means of transport for the country’s commuters. 

Police have said there have been ‘several incidents of public violence’ – protestors are blocking off roads and vehicles are being set on fire.

The strike has now been listed as a high-level security threat for UK tourists visiting South Africa.

But, why are the taxi drivers striking? Who is affected and is it still safe for British tourists to travel? Read on to find out everything you need to know about the strike. 

Police have said there have been ‘several incidents of public violence’ in Cape Town – protestors are blocking off roads and vehicles are being set on fire

The strike has now been listed as a high-level security threat for UK tourists visiting South Africa

Pictured: Firemen hose down a bus that was set alight during the violent protests

Why are taxi drivers striking? 

The strike is in response to what the drivers describe as ‘heavy-handed tactics’ by police and city authorities.

They claim their vehicles are being impounded for minor offences such as not wearing a seat belt, whereas other motorists are just being issued fines – they believe they are being targeted by by-laws.

The strike comes after after talks between the Western Cape government (WCG) and the South African National Taxi Council (Santaco) broke down.

Minibus taxis are the main method of transport for commuters in South Africa – thousands of stranded commuters have been forced to walk for miles to get home, while the queues at bus stations are piling up.

We’re now on day five of the strike and the violence is increasing – vehicles are being stoned and buses are being set alight.

City facilities in the targeted areas have been closed in the interest of the safety of staff.

Santaco has told it’s members not to participate in any acts of violence.

How many people have died? 

We’re now on day five of the strike and the violence is increasing – vehicles are being stoned and buses are being set alight

Police have confirmed the death of two people in two separate incidents near Cape Town International Airport. 

In the first incident, one person was shot when protesting taxi drivers threw stones at motorists on the road leading to the airport off the N2. 

‘The driver responded to the attack by firing several shots. As a result, a death and three injuries were recorded,’ said South African Police Service, spokesperson Brigadier Novella Potelwa, reports the Daily Maverick.

In the second incident, a driver had his car pelted with stones and shots were fired at them, according to Warrant Officer Joseph Swartbooi – Nyanga police ‘found the body of a 28-year-old male who sustained multiple gunshot wounds.’ 

He was declared dead at the scene. 

Is it safe for tourists to travel?

Following the violent protests, British travellers are being warned the strikes could affect transport to and from Cape Town Airport – they also have the potential to turn violent.

If you’re planning to visit soon, if possible it’s recommended you delay your travel.

The strike is in response to what the drivers describe as ‘heavy-handed tactics’ by police and city authorities

Pictured: A bus that was set alight during the protests in Cape Town

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) issued an alert on Saturday and updated it’s travel advice again today (August 7).

The warning reads:

‘Strike action is currently blocking the N2 and other major routes to and from Cape Town airport. 

‘You should consider delaying your travel to and from the airport until the route is cleared. 

‘GPS services could divert you into less secure areas or into ongoing protests.

‘Carefully monitor local news and social media and follow the advice of local authorities.

‘These strikes have the potential to turn violent and may impact multiple areas including journeys to and from the airport. 

‘Please check for any disruption on your route before travelling, avoid violent protests and try to stick to major routes.

‘Where safer to do so, consider delaying your journey and, if possible, seek advice from a trusted local source, such as your hotel or travel provider.’

Source: Read Full Article

Previous post Exact date Captain Tom Moore's family to find out if spa is to be demolished after 'using charity name to build complex' | The Sun
Next post Dog the Bounty Hunter's scandals 20 years after first TV appearance