Taxi council urges compliance

Dozens of taxi drivers were issued traffic fines for offences such as overloading and driving without proper permits or PDPs

1 hour ago

Muzi Zincume 2 minutes read

City traffic police officer at the roadblock

TAXI associations have been ordered not to add any new members, as the sector is shrinking and no longer making money.

This order was made by South African National Taxi Council (Santaco) KZN chairman Boy Zondi during Santaco’s 25th anniversary celebrations held at Empangeni Civic Centre on Friday.

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“Some people are saying we are greedy, but they must know that we are in the business of making money. Inviting new members reduces our work,” he said.

Zondi further urged taxi bosses to employ mechanisms that would reduce drinking and driving and overloading of minibuses.

“We do not get any money for overloading. I have installed cameras in my vehicles, which monitor the movement and activities inside all my taxis. Additionally, my drivers undergo a daily breathalyser test before starting their vehicles.”

He also reminded taxi owners about the conditions of their vehicle insurance.

“These conditions state clearly that unroadworthy vehicles are not covered. Also, when a taxi is involved in an accident due to being overloaded, it won’t be covered. Overloading a minibus taxi is very risky,” he said.

Zondi further advised taxi bosses that no Santaco members should be found to be involved in any violence against women and children.

“We need to distance ourselves from that kind of behaviour and must always report such incidents to the police,” he advised.

Santaco started Thursday’s celebration by conducting a roadblock along the R34 near Qalakabusha Correctional Facility, and a second near the traffic circle at Empangeni Rail.

City of uMhlathuze traffic police and members of Operation Hlokomela – Santaco’s flagship road safety initiative – conducted the roadblocks jointly.

Dozens of taxi drivers were issued traffic fines for offences such as overloading and driving without proper permits or PDPs.

uMhlathuze Mayor Xolani Ngwezi congratulated Santaco for reaching such a milestone.

“Our work as government is to support the taxi industry by ensuring safety on our roads. We do that with the provincial transport department. We do have challenges; some caused by heavy rains, with the majority of our roads gravel,” he said.

Ngwezi told taxi bosses about ongoing projects in various parts of the city to assist in reducing traffic congestion.

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