SANTACO Denies Claims of Imposing Restrictions on Citizens

Natalie Nyathi

The South African National Taxi Council, SANTACO, has refuted allegations that it is imposing restrictions on citizens regarding their choice of transport. According to recent social media reports, taxi operators were supposedly preventing motorists from carrying multiple passengers in their private vehicles. These reports also claimed that parents were being warned against transporting their children to school.

SANTACO has firmly denied these claims, calling them false and misleading. According to a statement released by SANTACO’s KwaZulu-Natal branch, the organization does not have the authority to regulate or stop private vehicles. SANTACO emphasized that it is not a law enforcement agency and does not have the authority to impose or enforce regulations on private vehicles or motorists.

SANTACO’s role, as affirmed by the 2020 National Taxi Lekgotla, is to oversee and coordinate affiliated taxi structures, including minibus taxis, metered taxis, and independent scholar transport operators. The organization’s mission is to promote a safe, reliable, and regulated public transport service within the framework of the South African Constitution and applicable legislation.

SANTACO has urged the public to avoid spreading unverified information, as such misinformation can cause panic and confusion. The organization has reiterated its commitment to operating transparently and lawfully, in the interest of all transport users and stakeholders.

These denials come amid ongoing tensions within the transport sector, particularly between traditional taxi operators and e-hailing services. Recent incidents of violence, including the killing of an e-hailing driver, have heightened these tensions. A ride-hailing driver was killed in Johannesburg in the latest violence between online operators and traditional taxi and minibus drivers, police said.

SANTACO has been working to transform the taxi industry into a major provider of accessible, affordable, safe, and secure transport services. The organization is also focused on promoting safety and compliance, empowering operators and communities, and driving innovation and sustainability.