Santaco warns immigration protests must not disrupt South Africa’s transport lifeline

South Africa’s taxi industry has warned that planned protests over illegal immigration must not interfere with transport services or the movement of people and goods, saying such disruptions would harm commuters, businesses and the economy.

Who is planning action and what they want

Anti-illegal immigrant groups, including the March and March movement, are planning a national shutdown in two weeks and have demanded that undocumented migrants leave South Africa by the end of the month.

Santaco’s response

National Taxi Council (Santaco) national spokesperson Rebecca Phala said the council had “taken note of the ongoing public discourse and planned demonstrations relating to illegal immigration and the calls by certain formations for the departure of undocumented foreign nationals from the country.”

Phala said Santaco was “particularly concerned by suggestions of actions that may interfere with transport operations, restrict the movement of people or disrupt economic activity.”

Risks to daily life and the economy

Phala stressed the role of transport in enabling economic participation, saying it connects “workers to jobs, learners to schools, patients to healthcare facilities, consumers to businesses, and goods to markets.” She warned that “any unlawful disruption to the movement of people and goods carries the risk of negatively affecting livelihoods, businesses, productivity, and investor confidence.”

Calls for lawful action and improved immigration management

While acknowledging that many South Africans feel strongly about illegal immigration, Phala emphasised that calls for reform must be pursued lawfully and peacefully. She said:

“Santaco recognises that concerns around illegal immigration are matters that many South Africans feel strongly about and acknowledges the constitutional right of citizens to express their views and advocate for policy reform.”

She urged stakeholders to ensure demonstrations and advocacy remain within the law and to respect “the rights, safety and dignity of all people.”

On border and immigration administration, Phala said: “Effective border management, proper documentation and compliance with legal processes are essential to maintaining public confidence in the migration system and safeguarding the interests of all who live and work within the Republic.”

She added: “The council further encourages government to continue strengthening border management systems, improving immigration administration processes, and ensuring that immigration laws are applied fairly, consistently, and effectively.”

Compliance reminder

Phala closed by stressing that people who enter, reside, work or conduct business in South Africa should do so “in full compliance with the country’s laws.”