By Zukile Majova
The real shutdown is happening on the N2 in the Eastern Cape.
The rural Eastern Cape shutdown effectively closed the N2 and access roads in KwaBhaca in the Umzimvubu Local Municipality.
The shutdown called by Uncedo Taxi Association stems from the failure of the EC government to pay thousands of taxi operators for Scholar Transport.
With schools built far from villages, sometimes one school serves 10 villages, there has been a need to transport learners to school daily.
Before this, learners used to travel long distances on foot and without anything to eat to get to school.
This has placed many learners at risk of being attacked, robbed and raped especially in winter when it is still dark in the morning when they start walking to school.
Taxi operators have parked taxis at important intersections and junctions making it impossible for motorists to access alternative routes.
The N2 is one of South Africa’s most important highways linking industrial development zones, manufacturing hubs and the harbours; Cape Town, Gqeberha, East London and Durban.
Umzimvubu Local Municipality has issued a warning to motorists travelling along the N2 between KwaBhaca and EmaXesibeni.
“A taxi strike that has prohibited any movement in and out of the aforementioned towns.”
The following following junctions have also been closed:
KwaBhaca:
– Osborne Junction
– Total Garage
– Magaqa Junction
– Mtsane Junction
EmaXesibeni:
– Phuti Junction
– Ntsizwa Junction
– Msukeni Junction
– Pakade Junction
– Sigidini Junction
– Engen Garage
Law enforcement officers are on site to continue monitoring the situation.
Pictured above: Traffic blocked on the N2 in the Eastern Cape
