The ongoing taxi strike in the Western Cape has brought the public transport system to a standstill, with devastating consequences. This strike has lasted over a week now, and as minibus taxis are responsible for transporting around 75% of public transport users in the area, or about a million passengers per day, the impact has been significant. The Western Cape Department of Mobility has stated that these taxis serve areas not usually covered by other public transport services.
As South Africa commemorates Africa Month, it is an opportunity to reflect on the country’s strides in building a united, nonracial, nonsexist, and prosperous society. Among the key areas where progress has been made is infrastructure development, spearheaded by the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI) under the stewardship of Minister Sihle Zikalala.