The strike, which has severely disrupted traffic, stems from long-standing issues with the province’s permit board.

Affected routes include Tower Mall, Orkney 4-Way on the R30, Ikageng, the R30 at Ventersdorp, the N12 bridge at Wolmaransstad, the N12 at Stilfontein, and the 4-way stop at Leeudoringstad. The protest has impacted three municipalities: JB Marks, the City of Matlosana, and Maquassi Hills.

Taxi drivers shut down national roads in the Kenneth Kaunda District in North West. Photo supplied

North West Santaco spokesperson, Shiyekile Matjekani, said the protest is driven by frustrations over operating licenses. Taxi operators applied for licenses as early as 2021, following a moratorium under former Transport MEC, Dr Mpho Motlhabane.

Although the moratorium expired after five years, the application process only resumed in October. However, by November operators began receiving approval or rejection notices for their licenses.

“Those who were granted licenses now find that, when they go to the permit board to collect them, they are told that the MEC has ordered the board not to issue them, despite having grant letters,” Matjekani explained.

Since 9 January, taxi operators have faced repeated obstacles. Each time they visit the permit board offices, they are allegedly told the system is offline. Two weeks ago, Matjekani claims he was informed the North West Transport MEC had instructed officials not to grant permits.

Matjekani urged the permit board to send a formal letter explaining this decision to the various associations. “You cannot stop a service and refuse to engage – that is what causes strikes.”

Operating licenses are crucial for taxi operators to transport passengers legally and avoid potential legal issues, particularly in the event of an accident, he added.

Santaco also expressed frustration over the MEC’s lack of engagement, saying she has been unavailable for discussions. 

The association is calling for urgent meetings between the MEC, the premier, and municipal officials. Among their advances is the poor state of roads, which they argue affects their ability to operate safely.

Meanwhile, police are working to reopen the N12 at the first entrance to Extension 11 in Ikageng, as well as near the Shell filling station in Klerksdorp at the Phuthaditjhaba traffic circle in Jouberton, said North West police spokesperson, Sabata Mokgwabone.

OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi cg