Taxi operators in Nelson Mandela Bay in the Eastern Cape launch strike

Taxi operators in Nelson Mandela Bay in the Eastern Cape launched a strike on 14 January 2009. The strike -- which is being staged to protest the introduction of the Metro Bus Transport system -- has stranded thousands of commuters. The drivers apparently decided to halt the city's public transportation for 24 hours during a meeting in Port Elizabeth the previous evening. All taxi operators and drivers are gathering at the taxi depots for further instructions and have been encouraged to remain there for their safety. Public transportation services in Nelson Mandela Bay are expected to return to normal on 15 January.