Residents of Qwaqwa in the eastern Free State continue to be on the receiving end due to disputes over taxi routes. Qwa Qwa Union Taxi Association (QWAUTA) stopped operating their taxis this week after some of its members were arrested.
They demand that government intervene to stop what they call “pirate taxis” from ferrying people.
Tensions have increased between taxi operators for long and short distances. Qwaqwa taxi associations are against pirate taxis operating in the area. Some people have been arrested, while others are injured. QWAUTA secretary, Ketela Mahlako says they will suspend their operations until government intervenes.
“I wish that the government should protect us in this way. All these illegal taxis must be removed, we are enough. Now the situation is worse now because you can see that every province has a number of cars in Qwaqwa which are operating illegally,” says QWAUTA secretary, Ketela Mahlako.
Illegal taxi operators say they won’t stop operating until they get permits for routes. Pirate taxis spokesperson, Motlatsi Sebola says they are willing to engage in talks with QWAUTA.
“Yes we are illegal on the road I can say so, because we need a permit. QWAUTA, don’t want to give us permits but we want to make a parnership and work with them.”
Commuters are bearing the brunt
“They should resolve their issues because now we are stranded. We can’t even go to work and it’s cold,” says a commuter.
“I’m a student nurse; I couldn’t arrive at school on time because there are no taxis. The situation is bad,” says another commuter.
QWAUTA members continue to patrol their routes to prevent illegal taxis from operating in Phuthaditjhaba.
VIDEO: Qwaqwa commuters left stranded after a bitter dispute over taxi routes
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