News
South Africa Remembers Khorommbi Muofhe, SANTACO’s First Democratic President
A leader who shaped the modern taxi industry
The South African taxi sector is mourning the loss of one of its most influential architects. SANTACO has confirmed the passing of Khorommbi Thomas Tshisikwawe Muofhe, the organisation’s first democratically elected President and one of the figures who helped shape the industry into the national force it is today.
News of his passing has stirred reflection throughout the sector. For many operators, particularly in Limpopo, his leadership represented a shift toward unity, stability, and structured governance during a time when the taxi industry was still formalising its identity in democratic South Africa.
From Nzhelele to national significance
Muofhe’s story began in the Nzhelele Valley in Limpopo, where his rise as a respected leader set the tone for the regional taxi landscape. He played a crucial role in building and unifying several taxi associations that eventually became recognised structures within the Vhembe region.
Local operators remember this period as one of rapid expansion. As Chairperson of the Venda Taxi Association in HaTshivhasa, Muofhe was known for guiding members through growth and institutional development. His approach balanced discipline with vision and helped lay the foundations of what would later become a more coordinated regional system.
A voice for unity across the northern province
His influence grew when he moved into senior leadership within the South African Black Taxi Association. At the time, SABTA played a central role in guiding operator interests, particularly in historically marginalised areas. Muofhe used this platform to encourage cooperation among different groups and to strengthen the industry’s collective voice.
This focus on unity followed him into his appointment as the first Chairperson of the Vhembe District Taxi Council, where he contributed to consultations that shaped a united provincial structure. This work became part of the groundwork that eventually helped form the national umbrella body South Africa knows today.
The birth of SANTACO and the rise of democratic leadership
One of the defining moments in Muofhe’s career came in 2001, when the transformation of SATACO into SANTACO marked a shift toward democratic leadership within the taxi industry. During the Durban conference that year, Muofhe was elected as SANTACO’s first President.
His election symbolised change. For the first time, taxi operators across nine provinces had a formal, democratic structure meant to promote stability and organised representation. His leadership contributed to the governance frameworks that SANTACO still uses to this day.
Building the industry’s economic footprint
Muofhe was also instrumental in establishing SANTACO’s business arm, now known as Taxichoice. Working with other industry leaders, he helped expand the economic reach of taxi operators and strengthened efforts to formalise business opportunities within the sector.
This move is still considered one of the turning points that allowed SANTACO to evolve from a representative council into an organisation with significant commercial influence.
Honouring a legacy of unity
Current SANTACO President Abnar Tsebe described Muofhe’s leadership as a guiding example, highlighting his relentless commitment to unity and dignity within the industry. Tsebe noted that his legacy continues to inspire operators who remain committed to stability in a sector that millions of South Africans rely on every day.
From rural ranks in Limpopo to national conference halls, Muofhe’s leadership journey reflects a man who helped shape the evolution of South Africa’s taxi industry and left behind structures that will outlast his lifetime.
Also read: The Re-Education of a Reckless Driver: Simulators and Shrinks Await Under New Law
Follow Joburg ETC on Facebook, Twitter, TikT
For more News in Johannesburg, visit joburgetc.com
Source: IOL
Featured Image: The Jesuit Post
