The South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO) appears to be walking back a directive that would have prohibited motorists and teachers from offering rides to others. The reversal comes after a circular, reportedly from the Mhlumayo Taxi Association in Ladysmith, KwaZulu-Natal, and bearing the SANTACO logo, circulated online.
Controversial Directive
The note, intended to take effect from February 16th, stated that “unregistered vehicles and teachers from loading others” would not be permitted. According to the circular, individuals driving alone would not be affected, but those transporting passengers would be stopped. The notice concluded with a pointed message: “Our drivers will not be found in the classroom, so teachers must stay in their lane and not ‘disturb our work.’”
The circular sparked immediate online backlash, particularly as it emerged alongside unconfirmed reports of taxi operators and patrollers levying fines of thousands of rands on motorists for simply giving family members a lift.
SANTACO’s Response
SANTACO acknowledged the circular, stating it was “being attended to” and that “a retraction will be issued in no time.” This response, however, did little to quell criticism online, with social media users pointing out that the issue has been raised repeatedly over the past decade. One user warned that the country is “currently an erupting volcano” and urged the council to avoid exacerbating existing problems.
The issue of unauthorized passenger transport is not new. In 2024, an incident in Mpumalanga saw a taxi association patroller allegedly impound a motorist’s vehicle, demanding R2 500 for its return after the driver offered a ride to a neighbour. At the time, Fanyana Sibanyoni, SANTACO chairperson in Mpumalanga, stated, “Picking up people on the road is our business. We have a licence to do that, and they [motorists] don’t have a licence to pick up people.” National spokesperson Rebecca Phala added that while patrollers should protect taxis and passengers, offering lifts “just because you’re trying to get petrol money or something…is wrong.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the original directive?
The original directive, outlined in a circular purportedly from the Mhlumayo Taxi Association, stated that from February 16th, unregistered vehicles and teachers would not be allowed to transport passengers.
How did SANTACO respond to the backlash?
SANTACO acknowledged the circular and stated it was “being attended to,” promising a retraction would be issued.
What is SANTACO’s justification for regulating who motorists can transport?
According to SANTACO chairperson in Mpumalanga, Fanyana Sibanyoni, taxi operators have a license to transport passengers, while private motorists do not.
As SANTACO considers a retraction, it remains to be seen whether this will fully address the concerns of motorists and the public, or if further tensions will arise regarding the regulation of passenger transport in South Africa.
