Taxi council addresses ‘limits’ on private vehicle passengers

Many commuters fear using private transport because of a backlash from taxi associations.

However, the South African National Taxi Council in KZN (Santaco KZN) says ‘rumours’ about them enforcing people to use public transport are false.

Information shared on social media platforms, which Santaco KZN refutes, is that the council will enforce limits on the number of passengers private vehicles can carry – including family members or colleagues.

“Santaco is not a law enforcement agency and does not have the authority to impose or enforce regulations on private vehicles or motorists,” said Santaco KZN chairperson Boy Zondi.

He added that they are a recognised apex structure, as affirmed by the 2020 National Taxi Lekgotla, mandated to oversee and coordinate affiliated taxi structures – including minibus taxis, metered taxis, and independent scholar transport operators.

“Our role is to promote a safe, reliable and regulated public transport service within the framework of the Constitution and applicable legislation,” he said, adding that they urge people to refrain from ‘spreading or believing unverified information’.

“Santaco remains committed to operating transparently and lawfully, in the interest of all transport users and stakeholders,” said Zondi.

Community concerns

A public notice, allegedly issued by Klipriver Scholar Transport, was addressed by Ndabezinhle Sibiya, spokesperson for Transport and Human Settlements MEC Siboniso Duma.

“We wish to indicate that it is illegal for anyone to stop cars, pull out passengers and force them to use taxis,” said Sibiya.

In October last year, this matter came under discussion at a meeting convened by MEC Siboniso Duma, attended by provincial police commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi and Santaco.

It emerged that the MEC had mandated the Provincial Regulatory Entity (PRE) to work with the police on this matter.

“The PRE is responsible for monitoring and overseeing public transport within the province. As guided by the National Land Transport Act, the PRE handles operating licences for public transport vehicles and other regulatory functions,” said Sibiya.

He added that the department was inundated with queries regarding social media posts stating Santaco blocked roads to prevent private vehicle carriers.

“We have contacted Santaco in KZN. “The organisation has denied knowing the existence of such activities and has distanced itself from such illegal operations,” said Sibiya.

Don’t have the ZO app? Download it to your Android or Apple device here:

HAVE YOUR SAY