Latest news with #MmatshikhidiRebeccaPhala
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
Eyewitness News
05-05-2025
- Automotive
- Eyewitness News
RTMC investigating crash that claimed 16 lives
JOHANNESBURG - The Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) has deployed a team of investigators to look into the cause of the crash that claimed the lives of 16 people in the Eastern Cape on Sunday. The death toll was initially reported at 15. It is believed the devastating accident happened when a minibus taxi and a bakkie collided head-on on the R63 Road between Adelaide and Maqoma, formerly Fort Beaufort. Four survivors were taken to a nearby hospital for medical treatment. This is the highest number of fatalities seen in a single crash in the last few months in the Eastern Cape. RTMC spokesperson Simon Zwane said authorities are still probing the circumstances of the crash. "We cannot know what the cause of the crash is. It is under investigation. The investigation will find out what the events that led to the crash.' The South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO) spokesperson, Mmatshikhidi Rebecca Phala, said the incident has deeply saddened them. "This is a heartbreaking loss for the affected families and the country at large. It is especially devastating as it follows shortly after a successful Easter road safety campaign during which no major crashes were recorded on the national roads."
