SANTACO Dismisses Claims of Ban on Private Passenger Transport: Calls for Calm Amid Rising Tensions
Viable News Team 
The South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO) has strongly refuted circulating allegations that it has instructed private motorists to refrain from transporting family members or carrying more than one passenger in their own vehicles. The organization has condemned the claims as baseless, dangerous misinformation, warning that such rumours could inflame tensions and potentially lead to acts of violence and lawlessness.
In recent days, a wave of social media posts have alleged that SANTACO or its patrollers had begun enforcing restrictions on private car owners, allegedly telling drivers not to transport multiple passengers unless using taxi services. The reports have sparked public confusion, backlash, and concern, especially in the wake of mounting frustrations between taxi operators, e-hailing drivers, and the general public across several provinces.
However, in a firm and unequivocal response, SANTACO spokesperson Rebecca Phala dismissed these claims as both untrue and inflammatory, emphasizing that no such directive was ever issued by the national council or any of its legitimate regional structures.
“We categorically deny these allegations,” said Phala. “At no point has SANTACO instructed its members, patrollers, or any industry workers to stop private citizens from using their own vehicles to transport their families or friends. These claims are false and dangerous.”
Phala made it clear that SANTACO has never endorsed the idea that the taxi industry should be the sole mode of transport for the public, nor has it promoted any campaign to restrict private car usage in any community.
“These are criminal acts, not sanctioned by SANTACO in any form,” she added, referring to alleged incidents where patrollers or individuals claiming to be linked to the taxi industry reportedly harassed or intimidated private motorists. “We are taking these reports seriously. Where such incidents have been reported, we will be visiting those areas urgently to establish the facts and identify those responsible.”
According to Phala, SANTACO is already working on a plan to engage communities where these accusations have surfaced. The organization intends to launch an internal inquiry and, where necessary, enforce disciplinary actionagainst any individuals found to be acting unlawfully under the guise of taxi enforcement or patrolling authority.
The controversy comes at a time when the transport sector in South Africa is already under immense scrutiny. Tensions have escalated in some regions between e-hailing drivers and minibus taxi operators, with several flashpoints of violence in recent months. The recent killing of an e-hailing operator added further strain to an already volatile climate, prompting SANTACO to issue a separate statement condemning any acts of violence within the transport sector and urging calm among all stakeholders.
Phala reiterated that SANTACO’s role is to ensure fair, safe, and efficient public transport—not to dictate how South Africans choose to move about in their private lives.
“This is a democracy,” Phala said. “People are free to choose the mode of transport they prefer. Our role is not to interfere with private travel, but to strengthen the public transport system and serve communities. We will not tolerate any criminal acts committed in our name.”
Transport advocacy groups have welcomed SANTACO’s strong stance, saying that misinformation can easily spiral out of control, especially in communities where law enforcement is already stretched thin and where residents rely heavily on social media for news and updates. These groups have called for increased transparency, accountability, and active policing of rogue elements who attempt to exploit the reputation of legitimate taxi bodies for personal or criminal agendas.
Meanwhile, law enforcement officials have not yet confirmed any formal investigations into the origin of the misinformation, but say they are aware of the reports and remain on alert for any threats of intimidation, harassment, or unlawful roadblocks.
Civil society organizations have also urged government departments, especially the Department of Transport, to monitor the situation closely and engage proactively with taxi associations, private vehicle owners, and communities to prevent further misinformation and unrest.
As South Africa continues to navigate complex issues in its transport sector from affordability and accessibility to regulation and safety clear communication, community engagement, and lawful conduct remain more important than ever.
SANTACO’s latest response highlights a critical message: rumours and rogue actors must not be allowed to hijack the narrative or threaten the delicate balance between public transport systems and citizens’ rights to mobility.
About the Author
