Commuters in parts of Ekurhuleni to face taxi disruptions as SANTACO halts operations

JOHANNESBURG - Commuters in parts of Ekurhuleni are facing taxi disruptions on Thursday as the South African National Taxi Council ( SANTACO) announces a halt in operations in areas including Katlehong and Germiston.

The decision comes amid growing tensions over the impoundment of vehicles, particularly the ten-seater “baby buses.”

Operators argue they are being targeted for not having licences that the government is no longer issuing, forcing them to pay fines of up to R5000 each time their vehicles are seized.

SANTACO said the law is being enforced selectively, claiming 7-seater vehicles used for e-hailing and informal transport are allowed to operate freely without any harassment.

SANTACO Ekurhuleni Secretary Zweli Mnisi said, "This unequal treatment by law enforcement places a disproportionate burden on the taxi industry. The halting of taxi operations is a necessary measure to prevent the continued victimisation and financial exploitation of our members.”

The taxi body is calling for urgent intervention from the government, warning that the current system is crippling the industry and unfairly penalising legal operators.