EC taxi routes reopen

The Eastern Cape Transport Department has reopened taxi routes in the O.R. Tambo District to allow for scholar transport ahead of the reopening of schools next week.

All other operations remain suspended.

Last week, Police Minister Bheki Cele, and the provincial department announced a decision to close routes and ranks affected by taxi violence in the area.

Sixty people have been killed in the ongoing feud between the Uncedo Services and Border Alliance Taxi Associations in the past 18 months.

Frustrated taxi commuters have resorted to hitchhiking and walking long distances.

“It’s difficult to come to town. Can we have transport please. It’s very, very, very bad in Mthatha,” says a commuter.

Other commuters complain about spending more time travelling to town.