JOHANNESBURG, Gauteng — The South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO) in Gauteng has issued a strict seven-day ultimatum to the provincial government, warning that it will embark on a province-wide taxi shutdown if its core demands are ignored. The escalating dispute centers on an alleged breakdown in the working relationship between the taxi leadership and Gauteng Transport MEC Kedibone Diale-Tlabela.
According to SANTACO Gauteng Spokesperson Graham Fritz, the relationship with the MEC was previously productive but deteriorated when the MEC began communicating directly with individual taxi associations. Fritz emphasized that this approach bypassed the duly elected provincial and regional leadership structures, including SANTACO and the Gauteng Taxi Industry (GTI). He firmly rejected any characterization of “gatekeeping,” clarifying that the leadership’s presence is strictly necessary to assist in resolving challenges and ensuring proper coordination during such engagements.
Conversely, MEC Kedibone Diale-Tlabela has maintained that the relationship has not broken down, asserting that her door remains open for negotiations and that existing fora are available for these conversations to take place. Reports indicate she has proposed holding roadshows with the broader industry. However, Fritz stated that SANTACO would only agree to such engagements on the condition that provincial leadership is actively involved in the coordination and organization of these meetings.
Addressing claims that all avenues for negotiation have not been exhausted, Fritz revealed that SANTACO has repeatedly requested meetings and submitted formal letters to both the MEC’s office and the Premier’s office. He noted that the lack of acknowledgment from the Premier’s office left the council with no choice but to issue a public media statement before resorting to a protest or shutdown.
Fritz stressed that a strike is an absolute last resort, as the taxi industry ferries approximately 80 percent of South Africa’s commuters. “We don’t want to inconvenience our own passengers,” Fritz stated, emphasizing that commuters are their people and should not suffer disruptions to their daily travel to and from work.
The potential for unrest has also raised concerns about possible violence, recalling past conflicts in areas such as Soweto and Alexandra. Fritz acknowledged that the MEC and her predecessor, Mr. Mamabolo, had previously done excellent work in minimizing conflicts through structured, inclusive negotiations. However, he warned that if this collaborative partnership ends and associations feel unrepresented during direct, uncoordinated engagements with the MEC, it could ferment unnecessary conflicts and violence within the taxi industry.
As the seven-day ultimatum ticks down, SANTACO maintains that its door is also open for immediate negotiations. The council is seeking to resolve outstanding systemic issues, including the delayed issuing of permits and licenses, in a final effort to avert a disruptive province-wide taxi shutdown.
