The Faraday Taxi Association (FTA) has announced the immediate suspension of its foreign national taxi drivers and operators until further notice, citing safety concerns amid recent anti-illegal immigration protests and rising tensions in the industry.

The FTA general secretary, WS Mabuza, instructed members to stop foreign drivers from operating with immediate effect.

“Due to the illegal immigrants’ situation, we ask members to protect their taxis and drivers, especially if the driver is a foreigner, by stopping the driver from operating with immediate effect until further notice.”

The association has not confirmed how many drivers will be affected, which routes may see disruptions, or when the suspension could be lifted.

The announcement follows a recent meeting between the FTA and Gauteng Roads and Transport MEC Kedibone Diale Tlabela in Johannesburg on July 6.

Discussions focused on licensing backlogs, municipal delays, illegal operations, and taxi violence – issues that have long strained relations within the sector.

Speaking after the engagement, MEC Diale Tlabela said:

“This programme allows us to meet operators where they work, verify whether we are meeting their needs and give them space to raise concerns.”

The Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport has not yet indicated whether it supports the FTA’s decision to suspend foreign national drivers.

The move comes at a time of heightened public debate around immigration, informal employment, and safety in the minibus taxi industry, which transports millions of commuters daily across Gauteng.

Commuters on FTA-affiliated routes are advised to monitor for potential service disruptions while the suspension remains in place.