Durban Taxi Strike Escalates as MK Labour Desk Warns Employers on Workers’ Rights
MK Labour Desk Warns Employers as Durban Taxi Strike Spreads
Durban, 4 September 2025 – A taxi strike that began two days ago in Kwadabeka and Clermont has now spread across Durban, leaving thousands of commuters stranded and sparking warnings from the MK Labour (MKLD) about employees’ rights during the industrial action.
Strike Causes Citywide Disruption
Taxi operators are protesting after claiming that many of their vehicles are being impounded by authorities for operating without permits – permits they say the municipality refuses to issue. The strike has intensified frustration as commuters rely on public transport, with e-hailing services facing a surge in demand. Ride prices that normally cost R60 have spiked to R200 in some areas, making travel costly and difficult.
Workers participating in the strike are legally protected under Section 67(5) of the Labour Relations Act, which safeguards employees from dismissal solely for absence due to strikes or circumstances beyond their control. The MKLD has urged employers not to take disciplinary action against workers unable to reach their workplaces because of the protest.
Also Read | SANTACO, Govt Dismiss Klipriver Transport Restrictions
Failed Negotiations and Rising Tensions
Taxi owners and the municipality met for over 10 hours yesterday to try and resolve the dispute, but no agreement was reached. Operators argue that the conflict has worsened because e-hailing drivers are now offering seven-seater rides and picking up passengers near taxi ranks, sometimes even inside the ranks themselves. The ranks are designated spaces for licensed taxis to operate, and operators say that e-hailing vehicles working in these areas without permits are creating unfair competition and disrupting the system.
“The problem started when e-hailing drivers began working from the ranks and offering seven-seater services. These areas are meant for taxis, and now our operations are being undermined,” said one taxi owner.
Operators have warned that if no solution is reached, the strike could extend for 14 days, further impacting workers and commuters.
Also Read | KZN Health to Hire 270 Medical Staff
MK Labour Desk Monitoring Strike
The MK Labour Desk has reiterated its commitment to protecting workers’ rights and will closely monitor the ongoing strike. Employees facing disciplinary action are urged to contact the Labour Desk for assistance. Authorities remind employers that any punitive action related to the strike could be considered automatically unfair under the law.
Commuters Left Stranded
The disruption has had a major effect on daily commuters, particularly in Kwadabeka, Clermont, and surrounding townships. Many workers were unable to reach their workplaces, while others struggled with high fares and limited transportation options.
As the strike continues, both the municipality and taxi operators are under pressure to reach a solution that allows commuters safe, reliable, and affordable transport.
Contacts for More Information:
- National Coordinator, MK Labour Desk: Mungisi B. Zordi – 081 618 1780
- National Spokesperson: Mthobisi Shinga – 083 393 4256
Also Read | ‘Dollarman’ Kidnapping Kingpin Shot Dead in South Africa
