According to SANTACO Ekurhuleni secretary, Mr Zweli Mnisi, the impoundment of vehicles particularly 10-seater “baby buses” has left many operators unable to operate.

“These vehicles are consistently being targeted for not having operating licences.

“However, such licences are no longer being issued by the relevant authorities, leaving operators without any legal recourse.

“As a result, operators are compelled to pay fines of up to R5 000 per vehicle to retrieve their vehicles. This is crippling the viability of their businesses,” Mnisi explained.

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Mnisi added that the industry is particularly concerned about what it views as selective enforcement of the law.

“While our operators face daily harassment and financial penalties, seven-seater vehicles often used in e-hailing or informal transport services continue to operate freely without permits and are rarely stopped or impounded. This unequal treatment places a disproportionate burden on the taxi industry,” he said.

The suspension of operations, Mnisi emphasised, is a necessary measure to prevent the continued victimisation and financial exploitation of taxi operators. SANTACO has called for urgent engagement from government departments to resolve the issue and restore fairness and sustainability to the industry.

In response, the City of Ekurhuleni announced that the Harambee bus service has also been suspended with immediate effect.

City spokesperson Zweli Dlamini said the suspension is informed by the ongoing strike, which is expected to impact all forms of public transport across the metro.

“The city pleads with commuters to find alternative transport modes, while all stakeholders work to speedily find a lasting solution to the impasse. We apologise for the inconvenience this may cause,” Dlamini said.