Johannesburg – Transport Minister Fikile Mbalula has slammed the South African National Taxi Council (Santaco) after the association warned law enforcement agencies and government that if one vehicle is impounded for loading at 100% capacity on Monday morning, they would bring the country to a standstill.
The leadership of Santaco made the announcement during a virtual briefing on Sunday following what the association called a lack of direction from Mbalula.
The council’s resolution goes against government’s Covid-19 restrictions and guidelines that instruct taxis to only load at 70% capacity during level three of the lockdown.
“The minister appeals to the leadership structure of the taxi industry to reconsider their decision to incite lawlessness and place drivers and passengers on a collision course with law enforcement authorities,” said Mbalula’s spokesperson Ayanda Allie-Paine.
The taxi association has also given the green light to all its members to operate long-distance routes without permits both drivers and commuters.
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