Despite being somewhat quieter than usual, it was mostly business as usual at the Golden Arrow and MyCiti bus terminals by 9am this morning. However, minibus taxis were conspicuous in their absence as a massive Santaco Strike got underway in Cape Town.
Golden Arrow has confirmed that at least one of their buses was set alight in Khayelitsha this morning while footage of MyCiti buses that have been torched are also circulating on social media.
MyCiti bus services have suspended two routes until further notice due to protest action. Taking to Twitter shortly before 6:30am this morning, the company confirmed that Routes D01 and D02 have been disrupted.
It is believed that Eluxolweni Primary School was set alight. There have also been reports of shootings in Khayelitsha and Nyanga.
#MyCiTiAlert Routes D01 and D02 have been suspended until further notice, due to protest action.
— MyCiTi Bus (@MyCiTiBus) November 21, 2022
Police in Cape Town will be on high alert this morning with a taxi strike that is likely to cause major traffic disruptions throughout the city.
Also read: Taxi protest looming as SANTACO calls for transformation
The two-day strike comes as taxi operators call for the expansion of the R215 million Blue Dot pilot programme, a partnership between the taxi industry and the provincial government, which will cease to exist by the end of the month unless more funds are pledged and invested.
Western Cape taxi associations that have confirmed to be taking part in the taxi strike are the Northern Region, Two Oceans, Mitchells Plain, Codeta, Cata, Greater Cape Town and Boland.
The driver of this MyCity bus was allegedly forcefully removed from the bus by unknown persons and the bus set alight. #TaxiStrike pic.twitter.com/GKvNaJ60bt
— MEC Daylin Mitchell (@mec_mitchell) November 21, 2022
In a statement from the SAPS, spokesperson Brigadier Novela Potelwa said that police and other law enforcement agencies would be out in force. He also warned protesters and commuters that violence would not be tolerated.
“The warning is directed at those who may be planning to embark on violent action and disruptions during the taxi strike that may impact on the lives of commuters, other transport operators and motorists within the City of Cape of Town district,” he said.
“The police deployments will focus on possible disruptions and violence to alternative modes of transport at the disposal of commuters and road users.”
Taxi strike bus on fire Khayelitsha. pic.twitter.com/7viS7QNVEa
— Groetman (@Madala_Ngewu) November 21, 2022
According to Potelwa, engagement with the organisers of the march and relevant authorities remains an option.
“Law enforcement agencies respect the right of the aggrieved parties to strike. However such action must be undertaken within the confines of the law.”
Meanwhile, the Western Cape Education Department said that a contingency plan has been put in place to ensure that the strike does not disrupt matric exams.
Two high-enrollment subjects, life sciences and geography, are being written today and tomorrow, along with a number of smaller subjects. 32,868 candidates are due to write exams on Monday and 27,154 on Tuesday.
“We have contacted all of our exam centres regarding contingency plans, and sent every individual matric candidate an SMS urging them to make alternate transport plans before Monday,” read a statement from the WCED.
“Our schools have put plans in place to assist candidates if they can, using alternative transport and hostel facilities where available. These schools will communicate directly with their candidates.”
Districts have also made contingency plans for matric candidates who are not able to reach their designated exam centre despite their best efforts.
“If this happens, we urge them to remain calm and go to their nearest exam centre where they will be guided to ensure that they can write the exam. We have plans in place to ensure that there will be enough exam papers, stationery, and invigilators at all venues.”
“While we respect the right to strike action, we urge Santaco to delay the strike rather than risk delaying the future of our children.”
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Picture: Cape{town}Etc Library and Twitter