Motorists traveling between Potchefstroom and Klerksdorp today should prepare for significant delays due to ongoing protest action by the South African National Taxi Council (Santaco) in North West.
Taxi operators have shut down several national roads across the Dr Kenneth Kaunda District, impacting travel in JB Marks, the City of Matlosana, and Maquassi Hills municipalities. The protest stems from long-standing grievances regarding operating licenses and government inaction on critical issues within the taxi industry.
Road Closures and Affected Areas
The following roads are currently impacted by the taxi protest:
N12 Klerksdorp (Alabama/Tower Mall) – ONGOING
R503 Klerksdorp (Jacaranda) – ONGOING
N12 Stilfontein (Champion Tyres) – OPEN
Entrance to Khuma – ONGOING
N12 Potchefstroom/Ikageng – OPEN
Wolmaransstad Bridge – OPEN
R505/R504 Wolmaransstad/Makwassie Crossing – BLOCKED (AVOID)
N14 Crossing in Ventersdorp – OBSTRUCTED (AVOID)
N12 Klerksdorp near CTM (Both Directions) – BLOCKED
R30 Klerksdorp (Randlespark Bridge) – ONGOING
Leemhuis Bridge in Neserhof, Klerksdorp – BLOCKED
R30 Orkney Crossing – BLOCKED
N14 Fly-over into Ventersdorp from Potchefstroom – STONE THROWING REPORTED
Info received from Potchefstroom First Responders
Reasons Behind the Protest
North West Santaco spokesperson, Shiyekile Matjekani, explained that frustrations have been building since 2021 when taxi operators applied for new licenses after a five-year moratorium under former Transport MEC, Dr. Mpho Motlhabane. Though applications reopened in October, many operators received either rejection or delayed approvals by November, sparking unrest.
Among the key concerns raised by taxi associations are:
Permit Delays and Lapses: Operators struggle to collect issued permits due to administrative delays, often resulting in expired licenses.
Non-Transferable Permits: The permit board refuses to transfer permits after an operator’s death, complicating matters for surviving spouses.
Vehicle Capacity Restrictions: Requests to increase vehicle capacity from 15 to 22 seats have been denied.
Route Access Denied: Applications for new taxi routes have been rejected based on claims of existing route saturation.
System Failures: Technical failures at the permit board cause significant delays.
Lack of Consultation: Local municipalities fail to involve the taxi industry in new developments, preventing operators from securing routes.
Poor Road Conditions: Key taxi routes are in poor condition, affecting service reliability.
Failure to Adapt Laws: The permit board has not updated bylaws to align with national transport laws.
Unregulated 7-Seaters: The operation of “door-to-door” 7-seater vehicles without regulation raises concerns about fairness and possible links to criminal activity.
Motorists are urged to use alternative routes where possible and remain cautious in affected areas. Protest action is ongoing, and it remains unclear when roads will be fully reopened.
.jpeg)
