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Unisa helps students hampered by taxi strike‚ AA blasts operators and police

Taxi drivers blocked key transport routes‚ causing widespread disruption across the province. Photo credit: Abigail Javier
Taxi drivers blocked key transport routes‚ causing widespread disruption across the province. Photo credit: Abigail Javier

The University of South Africa (Unisa) says students based in Gauteng who may be unable to reach their examination venues on Thursday as a result of the ensuing taxi strike can apply for a deferment.

“Students who are unable to write their examinations due to the strike may apply for a deferred examination by submitting the application form for aegrotat and/or special examinations to exams@unisa.ac.za‚” the institution said in a statement. 

Taxi drivers blocked key transport routes‚ causing widespread disruption across the province‚ and also affected pupils writing school exams. The South African National Taxi Association strike is in protest against the monthly financing cost of their Toyota Quantum vehicles.

The Automobile Association of South Africa blasted both the taxi drivers and the authorities for failing to ensure the dispute did not affect ordinary motorists.

Trucks hijacked during Johannesburg taxi strikeSeveral trucks were hijacked during a taxi strike in Johannesburg on Thursday‚ police said.  

“SANTACO only mentioned it was going to be handing a memorandum to the directors of SA Taxi Finance‚ but this messaging was misleading. Not only have its members blocked major routes in Gauteng‚ arterial routes are also closed off‚ preventing thousands of people from commuting this morning. It must take full responsibility for the chaos‚ and should be held to account for its actions‚” the AA said.

In addition‚ the AA says authorities should have handled the situation better.

“Reports suggest taxis have been blockading roads from as early as 3am this morning‚ and the question must be posed as to why this was allowed to happen.”

While avoiding roads is an option for some motorists‚ the Association says those who are on the road must be vigilant‚ and consider their own safety above all else.

Chaos on the roads as taxi blockade chokes JohannesburgAnger and frustration boiled over as commuters were caught up in a massive taxi strike that brought parts of Johannesburg — the economic hub of the country — to a halt on Thursday. 

Its tips for motorists unexpectedly caught in the middle of a possible violent situation include:

-     Stay in your car as long as possible

-     Unbuckle your seatbelt‚ and those of any passengers‚ to be prepared to exit your car quickly

-     Keep your car moving as far as you can‚ whilst checking for possible escape routes

-     Avoid hitting any protesters with your vehicle as this may turn the group against you

-     Do not taunt the protesters by shouting‚ gesticulating or hooting at them

-     Remain as calm as possible to ensure you are aware of what is going on around you

-     Seek assistance or safety from the police as quickly as you can. If you do not see the police‚ call them.

-     Listen to police instructions

-     If you are stuck and the situation seems to be turning‚ leave your car and get out of the area on foot. Remember your life is more valuable than your car or any possessions inside

-     Once you are personally safe (with or without your vehicle) call family or friends to let them know where you are‚ and what is happening.

“We are optimistic today’s action will be resolved quickly‚ and won’t be repeated again soon. However‚ if there are indications this may happen again‚ we trust SANTACO will act more responsibly‚ and that authorities will respond better‚” the AA said.

Taxi strike commuter: ‘You are threatening my life’

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