SANTACO denies the allegations that it is restricting the rights of private motorists

The South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO) has hit back at viral social media claims accusing it of preventing motorists from carrying more than one passenger, dismissing the allegations as false and misleading.

Several posts circulating online suggested that motorists would face violent repercussions if they ignored this supposed rule. One viral video showed taxi drivers stopping a private car, demanding a permit to transport passengers, and attempting to assault the driver, until police intervened to prevent the situation from escalating.

SANTACO national spokesperson Mmatshikhidi Rebecca Phala expressed concern over these misleading claims, which falsely allege that the Council instructed South Africans to forgo private vehicles and travel only with their families. 

“Like all other paid transport services, taxi operations are voluntary and remain a choice for commuters,” she said.

“We wish to place it on record that SANTACO has never issued such communication and has never imposed any mode of transport on the public. Any individual making such claims is not, and has never been, speaking on behalf of the Council. The Council strongly condemns these acts in the strongest terms,” Phala added.

She further urged media outlets to exercise caution and confirm information with SANTACO before publishing. 

“Publishing misleading information without affording SANTACO a right of reply misleads the public and damages trust in the sector,” she said.

Phala also encouraged the public to report incidents of harassment or illegal enforcement directly to law enforcement authorities, who hold the legal mandate to oversee transport regulations. 

“For clarity, only law enforcement authorities can enforce transport regulations. We encourage the public to report any incidents directly to them,” she added.

However, Fanyana Sibanyoni, chairperson of SANTACO Mpumalanga, has previously stated that private vehicle owners are not permitted to give lifts to hitchhikers, even if they are family members. He emphasised that taxi operators possess permits to transport passengers, whereas private motorists do not, and that allowing such lifts infringes upon the rights of licensed taxi services.

Sibanyoni added that private motorists wishing to pick up a family member in the presence of a taxi patrol should stop and explain the situation to the patroller, who may then permit the lift.

Public outrage over transport safety has intensified following a brutal incident last Wednesday, August 13, when an e-hailing driver was attacked, shot, and set alight inside his car at Maponya Mall. The attack has fueled debates about the role of taxi patrollers and the rights of private vehicle owners to provide lifts.

SANTACO stresses that taking a taxi is a choice, not a requirement, and any claims that the Council is restricting private drivers are false. The organisation says it is committed to protecting the safety and rights of both commuters and motorists, and remains dedicated to serving the nation with integrity and transparency. 

As tensions continue to rise between taxi operators and private motorists, SANTACO emphasises that safety, legality, and respect for all road users remain its top priorities.

“SANTACO remains committed to serving the nation with integrity and transparency.”

The Star

masabata.mkwananzi@inl.co.za