By Doreen Mokgolo
The residents of Etwatwa in Daveyton have taken a stand against the Benoni Taxi Association (BTA), demanding that they address the expensive Etwatwa/Daveyton to Benoni route and their role in preventing commuters from using the services of e-hailing transport and lift clubs.
The protest started on Monday with residents blocking the main entrances into the area with rocks and burning tyres, preventing the taxis from accessing the area.
They are demanding answers from Ekurhuleni Mayor Nkosidiphile Xhakaza and Transport MMC Andile Mngwevu, as well as the BTA on the memorandum of their grievances they submitted on 30 July.
Both stakeholders failed to respond or address their grievances within the seven days they had promised.
Public order police were forced to use rubber bullets to disperse the angry mob.
On 30 July residents marched to the taxi association demanding that they address the cost of travelling between Etwatwa and Benoni – a 15 km ride that costs up to R70 for a return trip.
Commuter Mavis Skhosana told Scrolla.Africa that they are forced to access the taxis only at the taxi rank.
“We pay R36 a single trip to Benoni, R15 local to access the Benoni taxi at the taxi rank, and R21 to Benoni, which is a lot of money.
“We are bullied by the association – they don’t want us to use e-hailing or for our colleagues to give us lifts to work.
“Why are they denying us the opportunity to use other options because they can’t address our grievances?”
Skhosana said using the taxis is not safe for the commuters, especially at night.
“The drivers refuse to drop us off within the township and closer to our homes. We are forced to walk long distances, which puts our safety at risk.
“If our demands are not met, we will continue blocking the roads this week,” she said.
MMC Mngwevu said he believes that immediate and collaborative action is essential to address the underlying causes of the protest and work towards finding solutions.
“The voices of stakeholders, including those who are directly involved in the taxi industry, community leaders and municipal representatives, are crucial in resolving these issues effectively,” he said.
Pictured above: Etwatwa residents.
Image source: Facebook
