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IOL News
3 hours ago
- IOL News
SANTACO denies the allegations that it is restricting the rights of private motorists
In a time of rising agitation over transport policy, SANTACO is taking a stand against misinformation. 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
The Herald
9 hours ago
- The Herald
Santaco denies enforcing limits on number of passengers private cars are allowed to carry
The South African National Taxi Council (Santaco) is denying claims that it allegedly instructed South Africans not to use private vehicles or carry their families, labelling the reports false and misleading. This comes after the circulation of posts, including pictures and videos, alleging that taxi drivers were stopping and harassing motorists on the roads. The taxi operators were allegedly restricting private car operators from carrying their family members. In some provinces, parents and teachers are also allegedly being restricted from transporting their children to school. 'We wish to place it on record that Santaco has never issued such a 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,' said Santaco spokesperson Mmatshikhidi Rebecca Phala. Phala said the council strongly condemns these acts in the strongest terms. 'Like all other paid-for transport services, taxi operations are voluntary and remain a choice available to commuters. For clarity, only law enforcement authorities hold the legal mandate to enforce regulations relating to transport in South Africa. We encourage members of the public to report any incidents of harassment or unlawful enforcement directly to law enforcement agencies,' Phala said. Santaco KZN also denied the claims. 'Santaco is not a law enforcement agency and does not have authority to impose or enforce regulations on private vehicles or motorists. Santaco is a recognised structure, as affirmed by the 2020 National Taxi Lekgotla, mandated to oversee and co-ordinate affiliated taxi structures. These include mini bus 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,' it said. Last Wednesday, an E-hailing driver died after being attacked by men who shot him and set him alight inside his car at Maponya Mall.
The Citizen
11 hours ago
- The Citizen
Santaco denies reports of enforcing limits on private vehicle use
Pictures and videos circulated on social media alleging that taxi drivers were stopping and harassing motorists on the roads. The South African National Taxi Council (Santaco) has denied claims that it allegedly instructed South Africans not to use private vehicles or carry their families, labelling the reports 'false and misleading.' This comes after reports of pictures and videos emerged on social media alleging that Santaco members were allegedly calling on the public that they were not allowed to have more than one passenger in their cars. The taxi operators were alleging id did not matter if people were with their children, family, friends, or colleagues, they would damage, crash or even burn the car in public. Fake news Santaco spokesperson Mmatshikhidi Rebecca Phala said it had taken note with concern about the posts being circulated on social media platforms. 'We wish to place it on record that Santaco has never issued such a 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.' Tembisa Taxi association members continues being a problem to many motorists. Here the driver was pulled over then forced to offload his family member whom he picked up , He was told that failure to do that he will be seriously beaten. City of Ekurhuleni metro cop arrived on… August 16, 2025 ALSO READ: One dead, two injured after e-hailing vehicles torched at Maponya Mall [VIDEO] Acts condemned Phala said the council strongly condemns these acts in the strongest terms. 'Like all other paid-for transport services, taxi operations are voluntary and remain a choice available to commuters. For clarity, only law enforcement authorities hold the legal mandate to enforce regulations relating to transport in South Africa. 'We encourage members of the public to report any incidents of harassment or unlawful enforcement directly to law enforcement agencies,' Phala said. Taxi drivers are bullies 🚮 — Thendo Ralph (@ThendoRalph) August 17, 2025 Santaco KZN Santaco KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) also denounced the 'misleading information on private vehicle passenger restriction.' 'Santaco is not a law enforcement agency and does not have authority to impose or enforce regulations on private vehicles or motorists. 'Santaco is a recognised structure, as affirmed by the 2020 National Taxi Lekgotla, mandated to oversee and coordinate affiliated taxi structures. These include mini bus 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,' it said. We called the Transport MEC & the Chairperson of the Community Safety Committee. They assured us that law enforcement is on the scene & will intervene in the taxi/e-hailing matter at Maponya Mall. But this issue is neither new nor isolated! Where is the authority of the state? — Ayanda Allie MPL (@AyandaAllie) August 14, 2025 Last week, an e-hailing driver was killed and two others were injured after e-hailing vehicles were attacked by unknown suspects at Maponya Mall in Pimville, Soweto, south of Johannesburg. ALSO READ: Uber stresses safety as 'top priority' amid concerns over driver profiles for sale [VIDEO]
TimesLIVE
21 hours ago
- TimesLIVE
Santaco denies enforcing limits on number of passengers private cars are allowed to carry
The South African National Taxi Council (Santaco) is denying claims that it allegedly instructed South Africans not to use private vehicles or carry their families, labelling the reports false and misleading. This comes after the circulation of posts, including pictures and videos, alleging that taxi drivers were stopping and harassing motorists on the roads. The taxi operators were allegedly restricting private car operators from carrying their family members. In some provinces, parents and teachers are also allegedly being restricted from transporting their children to school. 'We wish to place it on record that Santaco has never issued such a 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,' said Santaco spokesperson Mmatshikhidi Rebecca Phala. Phala said the council strongly condemns these acts in the strongest terms. 'Like all other paid-for transport services, taxi operations are voluntary and remain a choice available to commuters. For clarity, only law enforcement authorities hold the legal mandate to enforce regulations relating to transport in South Africa. We encourage members of the public to report any incidents of harassment or unlawful enforcement directly to law enforcement agencies,' Phala said. Santaco KZN also denied the claims. 'Santaco is not a law enforcement agency and does not have authority to impose or enforce regulations on private vehicles or motorists. Santaco is a recognised structure, as affirmed by the 2020 National Taxi Lekgotla, mandated to oversee and co-ordinate affiliated taxi structures. These include mini bus 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,' it said. Last Wednesday, an E-hailing driver died after being attacked by men who shot him and set him alight inside his car at Maponya Mall.
IOL News
15-05-2025
- Automotive
- IOL News
SANTACO refutes claims of taxi industry involvement in illegal vehicle impounding
The South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO) has responded to reports circulating on social media that allege members of the taxi industry are involved in impounding private vehicles. Image: Armand Hough/Independent Newspapers The South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO) has responded to social media reports alleging that members of the taxi industry have decided to impound private vehicles. This follows a wave of social media posts alleging that certain individuals, claiming to represent the taxi industry, have been unlawfully stopping private vehicles and soliciting money from drivers. In a statement released to the media on Tuesday, the organisation strongly denied the allegations and explained that no directive of this nature has been issued by the council. "SANTACO categorically distances itself from and condemns the unlawful actions of individuals allegedly stopping vehicles and extorting money from private motorists under the guise of representing the taxi industry. These acts are not sanctioned by SANTACO and are in direct conflict with our values and mission," Santaco spokesperson Mmatshikhidi Rebecca Phala said . Phala reiterated SANTACO's commitment to operating within the law and improving transport services through modernisation and safety measures. "We reaffirm that SANTACO is committed to the safe, reliable, and lawful transport of South Africans in roadworthy vehicles. We continue to embrace innovation and modern technology to improve our services and ensure the safety of our commuters and the general public," she said. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ Phala also encouraged members of the public who experience harassment or unlawful conduct on the roads to report such incidents to the South African Police Service. "Anyone who experiences harassment or unlawful conduct on our roads is strongly encouraged to report such incidents to the South African Police Service. Furthermore, grievances that require the attention of the taxi industry or call for disciplinary action may be directed to our national office call centre at 012 321 1043. "SANTACO denounces all forms of violence in the strongest possible terms and remains committed to working with law enforcement and the public to uphold peace, safety, and accountability within the sector". IOL Business Get your news on the go, click here to join the IOL News WhatsApp channel
