POLOKWANE – The South African National Taxi Council (Santaco) says it is taking firm steps to professionalise the taxi industry, with a renewed focus on commuter safety, customer service and improved relations with the public.

Santaco President Abnar Tsebe addressed stakeholders during the council’s national prayer day at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium earlier today, where transport, safety and religious leaders gathered to reflect on the festive-season safety plan.

Tsebe said the council is working to ensure that the industry is recognised not only as a mode of transport, but as a reliable, safe and professional service.

“Their understanding of the industry beyond people getting into taxis for long and short distances enhances safety and shows we are a reliable source of transportation,” he said, adding that staff training workshops are already underway.

Deadly Limpopo routes flagged ahead of festive season

The Limpopo MEC for Transport and Community Safety, Violet Mathye, said the province is fully prepared for the sharp increase in holiday traffic.

Mathye confirmed that the department recently received a scientifically developed road-safety strategy from Impact Catalyst, identifying high-risk routes such as the R71, R81 and N1 roads known for fatal crashes during the holiday period.

Read more: Limpopo introduces high-tech road safety system to curb festive fatalities

She said a tailored and more intensive traffic-management approach will be applied this year.

Deputy Minister of Transport Mkhuleko Hlengwa also attended, reinforcing national support for holiday-season safety operations.

Community activists weigh in on safety issues

Local anti-drug activist Oageng Makhura, founder of the Limpopo Anti-Drugs, Gangsterism and Crime Centre in Seshego, delivered a message of support, commending the taxi industry, police and traffic officials for their efforts.

However, he also raised concern about the conduct of some officers in Polokwane’s CBD, urging the provincial police commissioner, Lt Gen Thembi Hadebe, to address reports of police officers gambling while in uniform.

Prayer for safety in Polokwane

Religious leaders joined the event with hymns and prayers, seeking divine guidance for safer roads, responsible behaviour, and a violence-free festive season.