Maseru, Sept. 23 — A simmering standoff between Lesotho and South African (SA) taxi operators over hawker transportation appears to have eased, following a temporary agreement that allowed smooth crossings on Sunday evening.
For much of last week, tensions ran high after South African taxi operators blocked Lesotho buses at the Maseru border, demanding that only their vehicles be used to ferry hawkers once inside South Africa. In retaliation, Lesotho taxi operators obstructed pedestrian crossings, escalating the dispute.
Mr. Masisimale Pheko, spokesperson for the Lesotho–Durban Taxi Operators Association, confirmed on Tuesday that hawkers were able to cross without incident after the two sides reached a short-term arrangement on Thursday.
“Lesotho buses will continue to cross until the two governments conclude a formal agreement, which is the only lasting solution for our people,” Pheko said…
MP/BM
