The Premier of KwaZulu-Natal, Honourable Thamsanqa Ntuli, together with the MEC for Transport, Honourable Suboniso Duma, will meet with representatives from long-distance taxi associations on Thursday, 05 December 2024, in a bid to resolve the ongoing strike that has disrupted transport services across the province.

Taxi operators have vowed to continue their strike in protest of Operation Shanela, which targets vehicles operating without the necessary permits. This has led to significant disruptions, including the blocking of major highways such as the N3, Hluhluwe, Vryheid, Mondlo, Babanango, Dalton, and Nkandla, leaving thousands of commuters stranded and unable to travel between Durban and other towns and cities.

The Premier is fully aware of the economic and social impact the strike is having on citizens and businesses, particularly as key routes that serve as economic gateways remain blocked.

“KwaZulu-Natal citizens and commuters must come first. We cannot allow the current situation, where hundreds of thousands of people are stranded and unable to reach their destinations, to continue,” said Premier Ntuli.

*Details of the meeting are as follows:*
• *Date:* Thursday, 05 December 2024
• *Time:* TBC
• *Venue:* Pietermaritzburg City Hall
Members of the media are invited to attend.

*For further information, please contact:*

• *Mr. Bongani Gina*
Chief Director: Provincial Government Communications
Contact: 071 217 3037

• *Mr. Lindelani Mbatha*
Media Liaison Officer
Contact: 061 499 0774

• *Ndabezinhle Sibiya*
Spokesperson for the MEC for Transport
Contact: 082 375 4742

*Issued by the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government*