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Ladysmith taxi fare hike suspended - MEC

Johannesburg - A taxi fare increase in Ladysmith that has led to civil unrest will not be implemented until commuters have been consulted, KwaZulu-Natal Transport MEC Willies Mchunu said on Tuesday.

The increase was put on hold until August 15, he said in a statement.

"The consultation opens room for ensuring that all socio-economic factors and, critically, the views of commuters are taken into account to arrive at an amicable decision."

In protest against the proposed 10% increase, commuters began blockading roads in the Ezakheni industrial area on Saturday.

Businesses and factories in the area were forced to close. On Monday, police fired rubber bullets to disperse protesters.

Defy South Africa’s marking director Rajan Gungiah said on Monday that concern for the safety of their staff prompted the closure of their facility.

Mchunu said the decision to end the protest was reached at a meeting between the eMnambithi local municipality and its mayor, and the South African National Taxi Council, local taxi associations, and community groups.

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