“We are not all criminals, we are not all violent.”

So says the South African National Taxi Council (Santaco) Gauteng chairperson Midday Mali, in response to the brutal killing of a 27-year-old e-hailing driver last week at Maponya Mall in Soweto.

The murder of the e-hailing driver is believed to be linked to ongoing taxi violence.

Mali made the remarks on Tuesday morning during a media briefing in Johannesburg.

The briefing came days after the death of Siyanda Mthokozisi Mvelase, 27, who was shot and burned to death in an incident suspected to be part of continued conflict between traditional taxi operators and e-hailing drivers.

Uber later said it had no record of Mvelase operating on its platform. 

IOL News previously reported that Mvelase had only begun working as an e-hailing driver two days before his death.

Gauteng police have since opened a case of murder, two counts of attempted murder and arson.

“Our deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of the e-hailing driver whose life was cruelly taken in what can only be described as an indefensible act,” said Mali.

He added that the murder should serve as a wake-up call for everyone in the public transport sector.

“We cannot and will not defend this. We cannot hide behind slogans, uniforms and silence. There is no place in our province or our industry for anyone who uses Santaco or the taxi industry more broadly as a cover for criminality and terror,” said Mali.

“We are aware this happened in Soweto – a place that gave birth to some of the greatest expressions of our people’s resilience and hope. Yet today, the name Maponya Mall is being spoken not for economic progress, but for a tragedy that has left an entire sector discredited and under a cloud.”

Mali said the organisation shares the pain and anger of Soweto residents and is committed to taking decisive action.

“Santaco Gauteng is working closely with law enforcement and our internal structures to assist in the investigation and ensure those responsible are brought to book,” he said.

He said the province has not been idle in its efforts to improve the taxi industry.

“We have taken significant steps to implement the resolutions of the 2020 National Lekgotla, including working with TETA to train drivers, operators and marshals on customer service and road safety. We’ve launched campaigns at key taxi ranks to educate commuters on their rights and make public the channels for reporting harassment and abuse,” Mali said.

He also mentioned the Hlokomela Campaign, which promotes safety, responsibility and dignity within the taxi industry by addressing driver wellness, passenger care, road safety, and the prevention of gender-based violence and substance abuse.

Mali acknowledged that while progress has been made, challenges remain.

“We have taken deliberate steps to address the conduct of the few who tarnish the industry’s reputation. This journey has not been without difficulty – and, tragically, some have even lost their lives in the process.”

Mali also addressed growing concerns that taxi patrollers and marshals are coercing citizens not to use private vehicles, including preventing them from transporting their own families.

“This is unacceptable, unconstitutional and illegal,” he said. 

“As Santaco – and especially Santaco Gauteng – we distance ourselves fully from these practices. We are reviewing all reported cases to identify those responsible.”

“To every South African who has been harassed, threatened or intimidated by someone claiming to act in the name of Santaco Gauteng, I say: you have every right to transport of your choice. Work with us, and report criminality to the authorities.”

He said they are committed to rebuilding trust with the public.

“We understand the responsibility we have. Work with us to report these crimes to the authorities. Help us guarantee your safety and restore trust between us.”

Mali added, “We are not all criminals. We are not all violent. The vast majority of our drivers wake up at 3am to serve our people with dignity and respect. We ask for your partnership, your vigilance – and, definitely, your forgiveness.”

He said there must be room for forgiveness within the industry, even as investigations continue.

“The law enforcement authorities must carry out a thorough investigation and present their findings. Not to excuse wrongdoing – but to build a sector that is transparent, safe and responsive,” he said.

simon.majadibodu@i.co.za

IOL News

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