The South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO) has confirmed that preparations are complete for its third annual prayer day, set to take place at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane, Limpopo. The event will focus on pressing national concerns including gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF), taxi violence, drug abuse and the high rate of road fatalities.
With millions expected to travel during the upcoming festive season, SANTACO said the initiative forms part of its efforts to reduce the 1 502 road deaths recorded during the 2024/25 period. National spokesperson Rebecca Phala said the prayer day will also renew calls for stronger government intervention in GBVF and help foster unity within the taxi sector.
The gathering will be attended by a range of dignitaries including SANTACO President Motlhabane Abner Tsebe, Deputy Transport Minister Mkhuleko Hlengwa and Limpopo MEC for Transport and Community Safety Violet Mathe, alongside faith-based organisations, traditional leaders, government and private sector representatives.
“During the event, leaders will mourn recent tragedies, including fatal road crashes and escalating taxi violence,” SANTACO said.
This year’s prayer day follows nationwide protests and a peaceful shutdown against GBVF, staged to coincide with the G20 Leaders’ Summit in Johannesburg. President Cyril Ramaphosa has since declared GBVF a national crisis after more than one million signatures were collected by civil society group Women for Change calling for urgent action.
