South Africa: Taxi driver protest march and strike in Pretoria Nov. 8

Event

The National Taxi Alliance (NTA) is scheduled to hold a protest march and strike in Pretoria on Wednesday, November 8, from 09:00 to 14:30 (local time). The march will begin at the Old Putco Depot in Marabastad, before moving on to the Department of Transport to present their demands at 11:30. The demonstrators will then proceed down Struben, Nelson Mandela, and Madiba streets to the Union Building at approximately 13:00. The marchers are expected to return to the Old Putco Depot by 14:30.

Police officials reported that the NTA has a permit for up to 10,000 people to attend the march, and indicated that additional officers will be deployed along the march route to maintain order and ensure security. Officials are also urging commuters to plan for transportation delays and anticipate alternate means of getting to their destinations due to blocked streets and the unavailability of taxi services. Those present in Pretoria should expect significant transportation disruptions for the duration of the march

Context

The NTA is protesting to draw attention to a number of grievances related to national transportation regulation. The NTA entered into negotiations with the Ministry of Transport after suspending a strike and march planned for October 19. However, the negotiations collapsed, leading the NTA leaders to schedule the November 8 march.

Social unrest is common in South Africa, and a series of protests - some of which have turned violent - have taken place surrounding the rise of ridesharing services and loss of business for unionized taxis in recent years. Violence erupted during a strike by taxi drivers in Johannesburg on August 16, involving other motorists and passing pedestrians. Conflicts between Uber and Taxify drivers and unionized drivers have been frequent over past years; violent clashes broke out near Johannesburg on September 7 of this year, and multiple vehicles were torched. Three vehicles associated with ridesharing app Taxify were also torched on September 13, after confrontations with taxi drivers in the Pretoria suburb of Sunnyside.

Advice

Individuals present in Pretoria are advised to monitor the situation, anticipate transportation disruptions, and avoid any demonstrations due to the risk of violence.

On a separate note, individuals in the country - particularly in urban areas - are advised to be on guard against high levels of criminal activity and to maintain a low profile at all times. Be particularly vigilant after dusk and avoid traveling on foot after nightfall. Criminals may be armed; do not resist if confronted and do not look your attacker(s) directly in the eye. Drive with windows closed, doors locked, and all personal possessions hidden from sight. ​