Quantum taxi strike hits Soweto

A taxi strike is under way in Orlando‚ Soweto‚ in protest against the cost of the Toyota Quantum vehicle widely used in the industry.

This follows a blockade in Durban over the same issue last week.

The South African Taxi Association announced last week that it would embark on a “peaceful‚ organised and approved strike” in the Prospecton industrial area‚ targeting the factory.

• Durban taxi blockade means missing school‚ work and flights for thousands

According to a statement issued by Santaco‚ the strike action is to protest against a hike in the cost of the Toyota Quantum‚ introduced 10 years ago at a fully imported price of R220,000.

Motorists have been advised to avoid Ncube Drive in Dube, Klipspruit Valley road and Khumalo street in Orlando due to a #TaxiStrike.

— Jacaranda News (@JacaNews) June 6, 2017

“Toyota is responsible for taxi violence‚” the association said in a statement circulating on social media‚ which shows the demands by the taxi industry.

It said that the Quantum costs them about R1 million and they want it for R350,000.

“Our vehicles are being repossessed‚ and commuters can’t afford it anymore‚” the statement said.

. In case you're wondering what the #taxistrike #TaxiProtest is about, here's a flyer. @SA_Taxis #durbantaxistrike pic.twitter.com/TlpdPL9pVv

— The Catalyst Anon (@ShabnamPalesaMo) May 31, 2017

- TMG Digital/TimesLIVE