Santaco denies taxi intimidation claims after posts on X alleged taxi drivers were stopping cars and ordering motorists to carry only one passenger. The council called the circulating messages “false and misleading” and labelled the narrative as fake news.
What Do The Social Posts and Videos Allege?
One widely shared video shows men stopping a private car, demanding a permit to transport passengers and trying to assault the driver before police intervened. Santaco says it never instructed South Africans to abandon private cars or family travel, and that anyone suggesting otherwise is not speaking for the council.
Council Stance and Past Guidance
Santaco’s national spokesperson, Mmatshikhidi Rebecca Phala, said the council has “never issued such communication” and condemned intimidation “in the strongest terms.”
The council stresses that using a taxi is a choice, not a requirement. In separate past remarks cited by media, a Mpumalanga chairperson argued private motorists shouldn’t give lifts to hitchhikers because only taxi operators hold passenger permits; he advised motorists to explain family lifts to patrollers if challenged.
Maponya Mall Killing Raises Tensions
Public anger escalated after an e-hailing driver was attacked, shot and set alight at Soweto’s Maponya Mall on 13 August. In response, the Gauteng branch of the National Taxi Alliance distanced itself from the violence and said the law must take its course because the culprits remain unknown. Gauteng Transport MEC Kedibone Diale-Tlabela said authorities have joined forces with law enforcement to protect commuters.
Safety and Moving
Taxi industry leaders say they are law-abiding and want “fair and just business practice.”
The alliance also called for clear regulations to protect e-hailing operators and passengers. Santaco denies taxi intimidation claims and urges respect for all road users while authorities move to enforce order. For commuters, the key message is simple: your transport mode remains your choice.
