KZN transport boss seeks peace amid tension between taxi operators and e-hailing drivers in Durban

E-hailing drivers gather outside the Phoenix Police Station, seeking justice and safety in the wake of recent violence. In a bid to restore calm in the public transport sector, KwaZulu-Natal Transport MEC Siboniso Duma has expressed his confidence in finding a long-term resolution that fosters co-existence between traditional taxi operators and the e-hailing sector in Durban, particularly in the troubled Phoenix area. This commitment comes on the heels of aviolent incident involving an e-hailing driver, who was reportedly assaulted on Saturday and had to pay R5,000 for the return of his vehicle.

“We remain confident that a long-lasting solution will be found to ensureco-existence of taxi operators and the e-hailing sectorin Phoenix and other affected areas in Durban,” Duma said. “We have also put the Operation Shanela Team and the Road Traffic Inspectorate on standby. “Critically, we are experiencing an influx of complaints of harassment from e-hailing drivers and residents from Phoenix, Chatsworth, Overport, Chesterville, KwaMashu, KwaDabeka, Inanda, and many other areas.

We are attending to these complaints.” Regarding the Phoenix incident, Duma said that a team from his office and the department’s Public Regulatory Entity is in constant liaison with the KZN E-Hailing Council and the SAPS Phoenix Police Station. “We have agreed to allow SAPS to continue with an investigation into the assault and extortion,” Duma said.