The taxi industry is known for the prominent violence that is caused by the high levels of competition for various routes among different associations. The South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO) is currently facing backlash following an incident that involved some of its members bullying citizens.
SANTACO was formed after the government along with taxi operators and owners across the country convened and concluded that there was a need for an umbrella body governing the industry and acting as the principal mouthpiece for taxis, and to a certain extent, the council has achieved its goals.
However, since its inception, SANTACO and the taxi industry at large have garnered a reputation for frequently breaking or bending the rules to their advantage, which often has a direct impact on commuters and citizens in general.
A recent incident that occurred along the N12 between Johannesburg and Witbank involving SANTACO members has fueled some resistance from aggrieved citizens who believe that the council has abused their power one too many times. In the trending video, the SANTACO members can be seen harassing and blocking motorists from freely driving after they gave a pedestrian a lift.
[HARASSMENT AND ACTS OF CRIMINALITY BY TAXI ASSOCIATION PATROLLERS]
Taxi patrollers and/or security personnel affiliated with taxi associations who harass and coerce motorists into making financial payments under threat, termed as ‘fines, constitutes financial extortion and… https://t.co/NtRKp3LL5D pic.twitter.com/gRiBjZDnbD
— Justice, Crime Prevention and Security Cluster (@RSA_JCPS) October 30, 2024
According to SANTACO chairperson Fanyana Sibanyoni, their security does this because they believe that motorists are not allowed to give lifts to anyone, as it takes food away from their mouths.
“It’s our business. They are infringing on our rights because as taxi operators we are the only ones who have a permit to pick up passengers,” he told Newzroom Africa.
This situation has sparked growing outrage from citizens who are frustrated by the taxi industry’s constant bullying and intimidation of regular citizens. According to users, SANTACO’s actions are a result of the ANC’s poor governance, as they allowed the taxi industry to remain unchecked for their problematic views and behaviours.
I don’t remember ever seeing Santaco being on the news for doing good. It’s always something to do with violence and thuggery. Why is our government allowing these people to do as they please, to the point of endangering other peoples lives. https://t.co/thE01Cuhsj
— Mr Dlamini (@Ant_089) October 31, 2024
Some have expressed the need for more a radical approach to ensure that the taxi industry is called to order, citing the incident that occurred in the North West, where citizens burned a few taxis down after the drivers enforced a new role which prohibited private cars with 3 or more passengers from driving freely, forcing them to use taxis instead.
Good job to the community, it’s time these bullies get dealt with. May this happen in every part of the country where such bullies are
— Sello Motloung 🇿🇦 (@TikiBoy_SA) November 1, 2024
Also see: Prof Mamokgethi Phakeng paying it forward in honour of her 58th birthday
