Beyond payment disputes, taxi operators serving the University of Mpumalanga are calling for urgent road safety upgrades after repeated accidents along the R40 corridor.
While NSFAS payment delays have dominated headlines, taxi operators say the strike is also about protecting lives. The R40 road near the Mbombela campus has become a hotspot for accidents, prompting calls for better traffic control and infrastructure improvements.
Operators argue that students are especially vulnerable during peak travel hours. With limited signage, poor lighting, and high-speed traffic, the route poses daily risks to both passengers and drivers. The lack of pedestrian crossings and traffic calming measures adds to the danger.
Protesters are urging local authorities to install speed bumps, traffic lights, and clear road markings. They believe these changes could drastically reduce collisions and improve safety for everyone commuting to campus.
The strike has opened the door for broader dialogue between transport providers, university officials, and municipal planners. While the immediate disruption is significant, it may pave the way for long-overdue safety reforms that benefit the entire community.
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