Santaco Addresses Rising Taxi Violence and Misinformation

The South African National Taxi Council (Santaco) is stepping into the spotlight this week to tackle a mix of old and new challenges in the taxi industry, including the troubling rise in e-hailing-related violence and a wave of misinformation circulating on social media.

A media briefing is scheduled for Tuesday morning in Johannesburg, where Santaco’s national leadership and Gauteng representatives will outline the council’s plans to improve public transport and restore trust in the sector.

Tackling Social Media Rumors

Recent viral posts claimed that Santaco had instructed motorists not to carry more than one passenger in their private vehicles. The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Transport swiftly condemned these posts, declaring such actions illegal and warning the public against falling for unverified information.

Santaco has since distanced itself from the claims. “We have never issued such instructions and remain committed to lawful, transparent operations for the benefit of all transport users,” the council said in a statement. Spokesperson Mmatshikhidi Rebecca Phala stressed that taxi services remain entirely voluntary, a choice commuters can make freely.

The misinformation highlights a growing challenge in South Africa: the rapid spread of unverified claims online, which can quickly incite panic and confusion among commuters and families.

A Grim Reminder: Taxi and E-Hailing Violence

The briefing comes on the heels of a tragic incident in Soweto. Siyanda Mthokozisi Mvelase, 27, a newly employed e-hailing driver, was shot and burned near Maponya Mall, an event authorities suspect is linked to ongoing taxi-related conflict.

Gauteng police reported that four men in a vehicle opened fire on Mvelase before setting his car ablaze. Another nearby vehicle was also torched, leaving its driver injured but alive. Police have opened a case of murder, two counts of attempted murder, and arson.

Although Uber stated that Mvelase had no record of working on their platform, local reports indicate he had just started his e-hailing job two days prior to his death, underscoring the risks faced by newcomers in the transport sector.

The Santaco briefing aims not only to clarify misinformation but also to signal a renewed focus on safety, transparency, and coordination with authorities. Phala confirmed that the council will answer journalists’ questions, providing an opportunity to discuss strategies for curbing violence and supporting lawful operations across the country.

As commuters, families, and transport workers watch closely, Santaco’s response could be a turning point in rebuilding public confidence and addressing the persistent tension between traditional taxi services and the growing e-hailing industry.

{Source: IOL}

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