Cape Town strikes prompt Foreign Office travel warning for South Africa

“You should consider delaying your travel to and from the airport until the route is cleared,” the Foreign Office said on Monday (7 August). “These strikes have the potential to turn violent and may impact multiple areas.”

Chaos ensued over the weekend with vehicles set on fire after drivers of minibus taxis – the city’s main mode of transport – went on a week-long strike. 

According to reports, drivers downed tools and blocked the main roads to and from the airport over “heavy-handed” police tactics, which include impounding their vehicles more often than for normal motorists. 

Due to the situation, Cape Town airport has called on travellers to allow plenty of time to get there. 

“To ensure a smooth travel experience, passengers are advised to arrive four hours earlier for international travel and two hours earlier for domestic travel as we are working on a reduced staff complement,” the airport tweeted.