Tens of thousands of taxi commuters across Ekurhuleni, particularly in Germiston and Katlehong, find themselves stranded after the South African National Taxi Council (Santaco) announced a halt to their operations until further notice. This unprecedented action stems from the ongoing impounding of minibus taxis by municipal officials, a move that the association deems unfair and crippling to their members.
At the heart of the dispute is what Santaco officials describe as a pressing issue of disproportionate enforcement. “Our members are facing fines of up to R5000 to retrieve their vehicles, which is decimating their businesses,” stated a Santaco representative. The impoundments are primarily targeting the 10-seater ‘baby buses’, which have been frequently penalised for operating without licenses. However, the association points out that the relevant authorities have ceased issuing these essential permits.
There is a growing sense of frustration within the taxi industry, not only because of the financial strain imposed by the fines, but also due to what Santaco officials label as the selective enforcement of regulations. “While our operators face daily harassment and financial penalties, 7-seater vehicles, often operating through e-hailing platforms or informal transport services, continue to operate freely without the required permits,” the official highlighted. This perceived inequity has prompted Santaco to call for an urgent dialogue between the government and the taxi industry to result in fair and lawful enforcement practices across all public transport modes.
The unhappiness within the taxi sector extends beyond mere financial penalties; it resonates with a broader sentiment of neglect and misunderstanding from government authorities regarding the pressures and realities faced by the industry. Santaco’s decision to suspend operations reflects a desperate plea for attention to systemic issues that have long plagued the sector.
As the stalemate continues, the impact on commuters is severe. Many depend on taxis as their primary mode of transport for work, school, and daily errands.