The South African Federation of Trade Unions (SAFTU) urgently calls on the governments to address the unchecked intimidation and bullying by the taxi industry against motorists and civilians. This ongoing harassment not only endangers public safety but also infringes upon the rights of all South Africans. We demand swift and decisive action to put an end to this unacceptable behavior.The taxi industry has a well-documented history of aggressively targeting alternative transportation modes, such as e-hailing services, from their inception. Recently, taxi associations have escalated their actions, claiming exclusive rights to passenger transport and attempting to block lift clubs, scholar transport, and even private passenger arrangements. These actions ignore the constitutional right to freedom ofmovement, limiting South Africans’ transport choices through fear and intimidation.
The recent suspension of the Rea Vaya city bus service, starting on Monday, 4 November 2024, highlights the disruptive tactics used by some taxi associations inSoweto. These groups interfered with passengers’ daily routes to pressure the Transport MMC, resulting in a service suspension that severely impacts citizens’ daily lives and underscores the urgent need for government intervention.
SAFTU questions the lack of effective governmental action to protect citizens’ rights to travel freely and safely. The absence of regulation and accountability in the taxi industry has fostered a culture of hostility and lawlessness, creating a hostile environment for those who rely on or provide alternative transportation.Instead of working toward a cooperative and accessible public transport system, thetaxi industry’s approach has made South Africa’s transport network less safe, morelimited, and contentious. Their antagonistic stance toward other transport providersdirectly contradicts the needs of a developing nation that demands diverse, reliable,and inclusive transportation options.
SAFTU urges the taxi industry to recognize that collaboration, rather than confrontation, will serve not only their interests but also the public’s. We call upon the government to initiate a comprehensive dialogue involving all transportation providers to ensure a fair, competitive system that prioritizes commuter safety and respects South Africans’ right to choose their mode of transport without fear.Will the government only respond after lives are lost, as we saw in the tragic deaths ofUber drivers in past transportation conflicts? Why must fatalities occur before suchissues are seen as crises? When will the taxi industry face accountability for its unlawful and intimidating practices? The safety and rights of the public should be a top government priority.
SAFTU calls on SAPS and the Presidency to address this matter urgently, as lives are at risk—and lives have already been lost in previous taxi conflicts. We demand immediate, decisive action to protect South Africans and foster a safe, inclusive, and cooperative transport sector for all.
