The FlySafair strike caused anxiety amongst students from outside the Gauteng Province.
- FlySafair pilots were on a strike, which disrupted schedules and cancelled some flights.
- Some students who live outside of Gauteng rely on the low-cost carrier.
- Students had to use buses and taxis to travel long distances, with increased travel times to boot.
The longest aviation strike in South African history finally came to an end on August 1, 2025. Over 200 FlySafair pilots under the Solidarity trade union were striking for better working conditions and remuneration.
A one-day strike notice turned into a two-week strike, which led to disrupted flight schedules and cancellations.
Wits students were not excluded from these disruptions as they had to fly back to Johannesburg after recess in their home provinces to begin classes on Monday, July 21, the same day the strike started.
“In the absence of FlySafair, I had to choose between seven hours in a bus or five in a taxi from Durban. I chose a taxi, I had no better alternatives,” said Lizwilenkosi Mthiyane, a Theatre and Performance student.
Travelling from Johannesburg to Cape Town using a bus takes approximately 20 hours, which is why Esona Ngqebe, an Accounting Science student, was not looking forward to doing it again.
“FlySafair is not the most comfortable airline out there, but it’s better than going to Cape Town in a bus. I had to book a bus ticket coming back to Joburg in July. The drive took forever. I am glad their [FlySafair] strike is over,” said Ngqebe.
FlySafair has been operating fully for just over a week, with flight prices starting from R470. Now that the strike has come to an end, students will not have to worry about their travelling costs.
FEATURED IMAGE: A student complaining about travelling in a bus for hours from Joburg to Cape Town. Photo: Lulah Mapiye
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