Taxi rank dispute leaves bus drivers and customers in limbo

An ongoing dispute between the Namibia Bus and Taxi Association (Nabta) and Puma Energy Namibia has led to legal challenges, uncertainty for bus drivers, and disruptions to customer services.

This comes after a court ruling in Puma Energy’s favour on Friday ordered local and cross-border drivers to vacate Rhino Park taxi rank’s premises.

The dispute between Puma and Nabta’s bus operators revolves around ownership of the taxi rank.

Drivers use the rank as a pick-up point for transporting customers around Namibia, South Africa and Botswana.

Nabta secretary general Pendapala Nakathingo claims the court ruling is null and void as it referred to erf 7035 and not erf 7044, where the rank is stationed.

Nabta has assured that no driver would be forced to vacate the involved premises.

“No driver is going to be moved from here. We have agreed with Puma’s management and their lawyers that the case has become null and void because of the use of the wrong erf . . ,” he said at a meeting at Rhino Park taxi rank yesterday.

Nakathingo said the judgement rectifying the erf number was done without Nabta’s knowledge, because the association’s legal representation has changed.

The association was previously represented by Kadhila Amoomo.

The secretary general said the association will engage with Puma Energy’s lawyers in March once they have acquired new legal representatives.

“We will make sure we address that particular judgement. We have a problem with the amended judgement because we were not informed, but they say they informed us through our former lawyers.”

Puma Energy’s lawyer, Zureuka Majiedt of Engling, Stritter & Partners, yesterday said: “I’m sorry I cannot comment on this matter.”
‘NOWHERE TO GO’

Local driver Ronnie Maasdorp, who transports customers to Keetmanshoop, yesterday said the dispute has had a negative impact on drivers’ operations.

“Since 2023 we have been losing customers. While the court case is happening, people have been told Rhino Park is not operating any more, which is not the case,” he said.

Maasdorp said drivers’ futures are in limbo as the toilet facilities and garages they occupied have been seized by Puma.

Fransisco Heita, who transports customers to Lüderitz, yesterday said drivers were told they should vacate the premises without any formal communication.

“We are told that today at eight o’clock we should move. Things don’t work like that, they should formally inform us that they have proof this is their land so we can find another place where we can go,” he said.

Customer Mathilda Gaeses said Rhino Park taxi rank is the only one with buses available to transport her belongings without charging her extra.

“This is the only taxi rank where I can travel with all my belongings, because the buses here have trailers, and I do not have to pay extra,” she said.