By Phenyo Selinda
Durban, South Africa – The KwaZulu-Natal Transport Department is set to convene a crucial meeting with the South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO) and law enforcement officials to address the persistent disputes over taxi routes in the region. The meeting is scheduled for Thursday.
Escalating Tensions Over Taxi Routes
This urgent meeting comes in the wake of recent disruptions caused by illegal taxi operators. On Monday morning, a group of these operators blocked a road in Mayiwane, Ulundi, followed by another blockade on the R34 in Empangeni Mill on Tuesday morning. The latter incident was resolved later in the day through the swift intervention of law enforcement agencies and the transport department.
MEC Commends Leadership and Law Enforcement
KwaZulu-Natal Transport and Human Settlements MEC, Siboniso Duma, praised SANTACO for its steadfast and courageous leadership in managing the dispute over the Nkonjeni route and dealing with illegal taxi operations in the region. MEC Duma acknowledged the persistent efforts of SANTACO in maintaining order and compliance within the taxi industry.
After receiving a detailed briefing from the Head of the Department, Siboniso Mbhele, and his team, MEC Duma emphasized the need for intensified interventions and enforcement of the law to ensure stability. “The department’s interventions and enforcement of the law will be intensified to ensure stability,” Duma stated. He also highlighted that the upcoming meeting aims to reach a long-lasting solution and mark the beginning of a new chapter for the benefit of local commuters who rely on public transport.
Collaboration for Safety and Compliance
The MEC also lauded the collaboration between law enforcement agencies and municipalities in ensuring adherence to laws and by-laws. “The safety of commuters and the public at large is our priority. In particular, as a department, we have a responsibility to protect the businesses of honest taxi operators from illegal taxi operators and other criminals who use the taxi industry to achieve their objectives,” Duma said.
Continuous Engagement with SANTACO
Duma, who recently assumed his responsibilities in the department, committed to having regular meetings with SANTACO, recognising it as a critical stakeholder. “This is an important stakeholder, as it represents more than 246 associations and 16 regions,” he noted.
SANTACO plays a vital role in the socio-economic well-being of KwaZulu-Natal. Duma pointed out that across South Africa, over 15 million people use taxi services daily, generating an annual turnover of more than R40 billion. Additionally, taxi operators contribute significantly to the economy, spending more than R15 billion on fuel, over R10 billion on vehicles, and approximately R150 million on tyres annually.
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