The taxi industry has expressed concern about what it describes as excessive policing by the government.
Operators cite, among other issues, the impounding of their vehicles for non-compliance, arguing that the industry has become a soft target for law enforcement authorities.
The South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO) launched a Transport Month campaign in Pretoria, using the opportunity to raise the industry’s concerns with the government.
SANTACO Tshwane regional chairperson Sipho Rasepae told officials that the taxi industry had long been mistreated by the government and called for change.
“I’m requesting an urgent meeting. We need to talk; it cannot continue like this. That can’t be correct. My colleagues have already alluded to the fact that the relationship is one-sided, and that’s correct. Even now, we’re heading towards elections, and we’re not sure if we should vote because we’re not happy with our government. We must be honest,” he said.
The government is expected to begin talks with the taxi industry soon, with the aim of accommodating it within the existing public transport grant, which currently benefits bus and train companies.
Rasepae accused politicians of reaching out to the taxi industry only for electioneering purposes while criminalising the sector between elections.
“Politicians only come to us during elections, and once we vote, they turn around and treat taxi people as animals,” he said.
SANTACO maintains that the government can use its influence to dispel misconceptions portraying the taxi industry as a criminal enterprise associated with violence.