Africa-Press – South-Africa. Police and City of Cape Town law enforcement officials were on high alert on Monday as the EFF took to the streets to protest against the wave of taxi impoundments in the city.
But, by midday, the protest action hadn’t gathered as much momentum as planned.
A small group of protesters gathered outside Vangate Mall in Athlone and a group of more than 20 taxi operators staged their own shutdown by trying to stop traffic altogether. They blockaded Jakes Gerwel Drive, preventing anyone from using the road in the direction of Cape Town.
The EFF and the taxi operators are calling for the release of impounded taxis.
Mayoral committee member for safety and security JP Smith said the City convened a joint command centre at the Disaster Operation Centre in Goodwood early on Monday morning to respond to any potential disruptions.
“A variety of technology and operational interventions are currently under way. We can confirm that there have been no incidents reported or detected and the traffic is flowing normally across the city,” he said.
On Sunday, the SA National Taxi Council (Santaco) distanced itself from the march.
Santaco chairperson Mandla Hermanus told News24: “Taxi operators will join the march under the umbrella of the political parties that are organising it. However, this will not impact the daily operations as there will be no stayaway by Santaco.”
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