Santaco protest brings usually buzzing ranks to a standstill

Thousands of commuters across Gauteng are facing major transport disruptions amid Santaco’s decision to halt taxi operations across the province in protest over the impounding of taxis by the state.

Boksburg Advertiser visited some of the local taxi ranks today (August 29) to assess the situation, and spoke to operators and commuters who are caught in the government-taxi operators’ discord over the operating permits.
CBD taxi rank
At the Boksburg CBD taxi rank, many operators had withdrawn services on local routes. However, services remained available for commuters in some routes, including Johannesburg and Vosloorus.

One of the taxi operators, Dumisani Zwane, who also serves as a taxi patroller, said: “We support the strike. We understand the impact this may have on our customers, and we apologise to them for the inconvenience caused, but they need to also understand that it’s not our fault. It’s the government’s fault.”

Operators complained that their taxis, particularly the 10-seater ‘baby buses’, are constantly being targeted by authorities who impound them and charge operators a R5 000 fine.
The operators blame the problem on the Department of Transport’s ‘failure’ to process and issue operating permits within the regulated timelines.

Zwane described the targeting of their minibus taxis as unfair because e-hailing operators are allowed to use their seven-seater vehicles to transport people without permits.
“It’s not like we hate the e-hailing people, but we feel that it’s unfair that they come to our area with their seven-seater and take business away from us, yet our taxis are being impounded.”
Zwane could not confirm whether the strike will end today. He said it’s indefinite.

East Rand Mall
A usually buzzing East Rand Mall taxi rank was noticeably quiet. According to information gathered at the rank, only taxis from Reiger Park, Vosloorus, Germiston and Johannesburg were operating.
However, taxis from Daveyton and Kempton Park were not in service.

One of the drivers, who spoke to the Advertiser on condition of anonymity, confirmed he was still operating.
“I’m still working and driving to Vosloorus. This taxi strike is bad because many people are losing money – they’re struggling to get to work. I believe if the government did the right thing, this wouldn’t have happened.”

Commuters left in limbo
A commuter seen outside the East Rand Mall taxi rank at 08:45, who asked not to be named, said his shift in Kempton Park was meant to start at 08:00.
“I stay in Daveyton and had to hitchhike to Boksburg. Now I’m stuck here because of the strike. I had to ask a colleague to come and fetch me.
“Most companies understand the situation, but it’s still ‘no work, no pay’. I also think it’s now more expensive to use e-hailing services because they’re taking advantage of the situation,” he said.

Another commuter, Nthabi Metsing, said she had no choice but to use e-hailing to get to work.
“I live in Katlehong and had to come to Boksburg. I just used e-hailing, even though it was expensive. I really hope they sort this out soon,” she said.

Police’s specialised units are deployed to different areas to monitor the situation.

Vendors also affected

Ntokozo Ndlovu, a vendor at the taxi rank who sells items such as energy drinks, said the strike was negatively impacting informal traders.
“The taxi rank is quiet. We depend on commuters to make a living and support our families. I don’t know what we’re going to do now or what’s going to happen,” he said.

Another vendor, who identified herself as Tlangalale, said she is losing hundreds of rands due to the strike.
“Business is not good at the moment because of the small number of people at the taxi rank.”

Also Read: Municipal bus services suspended as taxi strike takes hold