Latest news with #GrahamFritz
TimesLIVE
4 days ago
- TimesLIVE
Santaco calls for e-hailing regulations to be implemented immediately
The South African National Taxi Council (Santaco) has called on the government to implement the amended National Land Transport Act (NLTA) regulations in the e-hailing services sector. The NLTA aims to regulate and manage the transportation of public passengers for reward. This includes various services offered by taxis, buses, trains and private cars used for e-hailing services. The association urged the government to act, saying many e-hailing drivers operate without government-authorised permits. 'Santaco is deeply concerned about the continued illegality and lack of regulation in the e-hailing services sector,' said Santaco spokesperson Rebecca Phala. 'The current structure of e-hailing platforms does not enforce the requirement for these permits, leading to a flood of unregulated operators within the public transport space.' She said this jeopardises commuter safety. 'This unrestrained influx is not only causing congestion in the sector but also posing serious safety threats to commuters. There has been a disturbing rise in reports of hijackings, abductions, sexual harassment and other violent crimes, all linked to the unchecked operation of e-hailing services under the current legal loopholes. 'Failure to act swiftly will only deepen the crisis in the public transport sector and further compromise commuter safety. The time for decisive action is now.' There has been an ongoing battle between the taxi and e-hailing industries. On Wednesday, an e-hailing driver was killed at Maponya Mall when two e-hailing cars were set alight, allegedly by taxi operators. The feud is driven by competition for passengers and routes, with some taxi operators blocking e-hailing drivers from operating in certain areas. The attackers are unknown and the police are investigating. Meanwhile, Santaco in Gauteng condemned the attack. 'Violence in any form has no place in our society. We extend our deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of the deceased, and we wish a speedy recovery to those who were injured,' said the council's provincial secretary Graham Fritz.
The Herald
4 days ago
- The Herald
Santaco cautions against 'unfounded accusations' after deadly e-hailing attack at Maponya Mall
The South African National Taxi Council (Santaco) in Gauteng says it is meeting provincial transport MEC Kedibone Diale-Tlabela after e-hailing vehicles were attacked in Soweto on Wednesday evening. Santaco condemned the murder of a driver and shootings of another driver and a passer-by. 'Violence in any form has no place in our society. We extend our deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of the deceased, and we wish a speedy recovery to those who were injured,' said Santaco provincial secretary Graham Fritz. He asked members of the public to avoid speculation or unfounded accusations that he says automatically place the taxi industry at fault. 'Such assumptions not only harm the reputation of the industry but also undermine due process. We call on all to respect the work of law enforcement and allow the police to conduct thorough investigations into the matter.' Community members have gathered at the mall, in support of drivers from e-hailing companies including Uber and Bolt.
