Mbombela Shutdown: Angry taxi drivers block entry to Kruger National Park over fuel price hikes

Local and international tourists entering or leaving Kruger National Park have been urged to use alternative routes because of the protest action over fuel price hikes that have shut many roads near Mbombela (Nelspruit).

The Kruger National Park said in a statement on Wednesday tourists should use the Orpen, Phabeni, Malelane, Crocodile Bridge and Kruger gates to access the park, depending which side of the park they were booked.

While thousands of South Africans were still discussing the national shutdown on Twitter, angry commuters and taxi drivers brought Mpumalanga’s capital city to a halt, on Wednesday over the high fuel prices.

The #NelspruitShutdown started all the way from White River all the way to Ngodwana area on the N4, and back-circling towards the N4 near Malelane, near the Mozambican border.

Workers who were travelling to different townships and suburbs were left stranded on the road without any hope of accessing the inner city, where they make a living.

Taxi operators are up in arms and in support of the protest over the fuel price hike. Sibusiso Mbazima, who is a taxi driver said they will be forced to increase taxi fares, which will seem unfair as they’ve recently increased the prices.

“If we do not voice our frustrations, taking a taxi from Matsulu to town will cost up to R50, which is unrealistic for the average consumer who is living form hand to mouth,” said Mbazima.

When asked about who was leading the protest action, taxi association Top Star said it did not know and was not informed about the protest action. Top Star’s John Mavundla said: “Taxi drivers did not consult with us. They went above our heads, and this means today we will not be making any money.”

Department of community safely spokesperson Moeti Mmusi said MEC Vusi Shongwe “Is calling on all protesters to demonstrate within the ambits of the law. They do not have to infringe upon the rights of others; hence he condemns the closure of the roads coming in and out of Mbombela in the strongest terms.”

Source: The South African, News24, SABC News, IOL, Business Day, image from Twitter

Doctor Mahlaule

Doctor Mahlaule previously worked as a Freelance Journalist at Find-it SA where he was responsible for writing news articles and sharing them on social media platforms. Doctor Mahlaule holds a Diploma in Journalism, BA in Communication Science and a BA Honours in Media Studies. Doctor began his journey as a knowledge Management and Communications Intern at Zenex Foundation. He was responsible for support in event management, social media, website maintenance, writing and brand management. On weekends Doctor attends prison ministry and shares the scriptures with inmates at Krugersdorp prison and plays soccer in the afternoon on some weekends. He has a passion for reading and writing and enjoys going out with friends and socialising in his spare time. He has a one-year-old son and is planning on getting married soon. When asked about what keeps him going, he said: “My family keeps me going. I’m the man I am because I come from a loving home. I have a very supportive family who always encourages me to keep pushing hard.”

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