The South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO) has announced that it will resume full taxi operations in Ekurhuleni, bringing relief to thousands of commuters who had been stranded due to the suspension of services. The decision comes after prolonged negotiations with local authorities and law enforcement agencies, aimed at addressing grievances raised by taxi operators.
The shutdown, which disrupted daily transport for workers, students, and small business owners across the metropolitan area, had been triggered by a series of disputes. Key among them were concerns about route allocations, alleged harassment by traffic officials, and impounding of vehicles. The suspension of services not only paralyzed mobility but also had a ripple effect on local businesses and the informal economy, which heavily rely on taxi transport as the backbone of daily commuting in South Africa.
Following intensive discussions, SANTACO leadership confirmed that an agreement had been reached with the Ekurhuleni Municipality and law enforcement authorities to resolve some of the sticking points. While details of the accord have not been fully disclosed, it is understood that commitments were made regarding fair law enforcement practices, a review of impoundment procedures, and improved communication channels between taxi associations and municipal officials.
SANTACO’s spokesperson emphasized that the decision to return to operations was made in the interests of commuters, who bear the heaviest burden when transport services are suspended. “We recognize the suffering caused to our passengers and communities. Our return to service is a demonstration of our commitment to serve the public, while continuing dialogue on unresolved issues,” the spokesperson said.
The Ekurhuleni Municipality, in response, welcomed SANTACO’s decision and pledged to strengthen cooperation with the taxi industry, acknowledging the sector’s critical role in transporting millions of South Africans daily. Authorities also assured that law enforcement would continue to ensure road safety without unfairly targeting taxi operators, while calling on associations to promote compliance with traffic laws.
Commuters across Ekurhuleni have reacted with relief, expressing hope that the resolution will hold and prevent further disruptions. Analysts, however, caution that the agreement may only be a temporary reprieve, noting that structural challenges in the taxi industry—ranging from overlapping routes to regulatory conflicts and competition between associations—remain unresolved.
The taxi industry, which carries an estimated 16 million passengers daily nationwide, continues to be a pillar of South Africa’s transport system, yet it often finds itself at the center of disputes with government authorities. The latest agreement in Ekurhuleni is seen as a positive but fragile step toward stability in one of the country’s busiest transport hubs.
