The South African National Taxi Council in KwaZulu-Natal (Santaco KZN) has distanced itself from allegations that its members in other provinces are forcing people out of privately-owned vehicles and into minibus taxis.

This follows posts on social media claiming that the council ordered motorists to refrain from carrying more than one passenger in their private cars.

As per one of the social media posts, “it does not matter whether the passengers are your children, family, friends or colleagues – if spotted with more than one passenger, drivers threaten to damage the car, crash it or even set it alight.”

Santaco KZN said the claims are false and further stated it did not know about such operations in other parts of the country. 

“We categorically state that these claims are completely false and have no basis. Santaco is not a law enforcement agency and does not have the authority to impose or enforce regulations on private vehicles or motorists,” the council said.

It explained that Santaco is a recognised apex structure, as affirmed by the 2020 National Taxi Lekgotla, mandated to oversee and coordinate affiliated taxi structures – these include minibus taxis, metered taxis, and independent scholar transport operators.

“Our role is to promote a safe, reliable, and regulated public transport service within the framework of the South African Constitution and applicable legislation.

“We urge members of the public to refrain from spreading or believing unverified information, particularly on social media, as it may incite unnecessary panic and confusion. SANTACO remains committed to operating transparently and lawfully, in the interest of all transport users and stakeholders,” Santaco said.

Provincial MEC for Transport and Human Settlements, Siboniso Duma, said it is against the law to stop cars, pull out passengers, and force them to use taxis.

seanne.rall@iol.co.za

IOL

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