Johannesburg - Thousands of commuters were stranded in South Africa's commercial capital of Johannesburg Tuesday as the drivers of the city's popular minivan taxis went on strike.

The protests were aimed against the introduction of a new bus system to be introduced ahead of next year's football World Cup in South Africa, which is regarded as competition by the drivers.

The minivans, up to now the backbone of public transport in the city, blocked parts of the city motorway and other main transport routes.

South African radio also reported outbreaks of violence connected to the strike in Soweto township with one taxi driver being shot. (dpa)