The SA National Taxi Council (Santaco) has distanced itself from having any involvement in the planning of a national shutdown on Friday.

This comes after news of a possible national shutdown surfaced online this week, with taxi fares set to increase after the recent spike in fuel prices.

SANTACO has never lobbied any organisation for a national shutdown, and not even planning any shutdown. We still however, hold the strongest view that there’s an urgent intervention needed from govt and this despite looming taxi fare increases @SAfmnews https://t.co/JMt1NNqeQl

— SANTACO (@SA_Taxis) June 6, 2022

The taxi alliance, which is one of the biggest associations in the country, said that they did, however, still hold the strongest view that urgent intervention was needed from the government regarding high fuel prices, which were leading to pressure on consumers who now need to pay increased taxi fares.

Petrol prices increased by R2.43 per litre last week, while diesel prices increased by just over R1 per litre.

Zululand Observer reports that South Africans are urged to be vigilant in the run-up to, and on Friday, but to not panic or incite panic.

Information shared on local CPF groups states that, while many threats of such national shutdowns have circulated in recent months, these types of large scale protests rarely take place on a Friday.

However, the statement urged South Africans to reconsider travel plans, and to be vigilant should anything erupt.

“Residents are urged to stay alert on their Neighbourhood Watch, Farm Watch and CPF groups to be kept abreast,” read the statement.