SANTACO Dismisses Gauteng Shutdown Claims As Ekurhuleni Strike Leaves Commuters Stranded

• The South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO) said that its members' strike is limited only to Ekurhuleni
• In a statement, the body said that there will be no provincial shutdown but confirmed the Ekurhuleni strike, which it says was caused by the impounding of taxis
• Meanwhile, thousands of commuters in Ekurhuleni have been left stranded as the strike continues to affect the area

Tebogo Mokwena, a dedicated Briefly News current affairs journalist, contributed coverage of international and local social issues, including health, corruption, education, unemployment, labour, service delivery protests, strikes, and immigration in South Africa, during his seven years at Daily Sun and Vutivi Business News.

EKURHULENI, GAUTENG — The South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO) has denied allegations that its members have embarked on a shutdown in Gauteng. This was after SANTACO embarked on a strike in Ekurhuleni on 28 August 2025, which left thousands of commuters stranded.

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In a statement, SANTACO released, the body said that the services in Ekurhuleni were halted because the City of Ekurhuleni impounded its members' taxis. The municipality's Transport Department reportedly impounded 17 taxis for various offences, including unroadworthy vehicles. In response to the impounding, SANTACO members refused to provide services. The strike has also affected bus services, including the Harambee Bus services, which have been suspended.

SANTACO denies provincial shutdown

SANTACO also said that commuters across the province can continue to rely on transportation as the strike is limited only to Ekurhuleni. SANTACO said that its provincial and national leadership are in talks with the Gauteng Provincial Government and the National Department of Transport to resolve the issues.

Briefly News reached out to the Department of Transport for comment, and is awaiting a response at the time of publication.

SANTACO-related stories

SANTACO in Gauteng condemned taxi patrollers who intimidate motorists offering lifts.SANTACO's national chairperson, Midday Mali, spoke on 19 August 2025 and said the body has taken steps to address the conduct of members who tarnish the industry's reputation.

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South Africans weigh in on Santaco's end of taxi strike and resumption of services

SANTACO also agreed to pay the funeral costs of Mthokozisi Mvelase, who was killed during an attack at Maaponya Mall in Soweto on 123 August. Mvelase, an e-hailing driver, was shot, and his car was torched with him still inside.

South Africans react to strike

Netizens commenting on X shared their views on the strike.

Pinky said:

"Ekurhuleni commuters fighting for lifts like it's Hunger Games. Taxis were parked because half of them were moving coffins without permits. SA transport is a Netflix series on its own."

Poppy4u said:

"The City decides to suspend buses instead of deploying more and taking to Prasda to bring more trains."

Nat Niems said:

"The only segment of society that holds the country to ransom where they are acting illegally and there are no repercussions."

Malaisha said:

"Our government must claim its provision of Public Transport services. This privatisation of critical services to our economy is the worst idea."

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Ayanda M said:

"We really need public transport to work in this country. This is sad."

Durban Metro Police impound 25 taxis

Meanwhile, in a similar incident, the Durban Metro Police impounded 25 taxis for operating without permits between the areas of Clermont and Pinetown, west of the city. This occurred on Friday, 29 August 2025.

Sunday World reporter Sihle Mavuso posted pictures from the scene on X.

Reactions to this information were generally in favour of what the police were doing. This response is particularly due to the stance of taxis towards e-hailing services recently.

X user @iamhumanZA said:

“If you have no permit to be on the road then metro police are in the right.”

While @mjavuza said:

“They burnt themselves by shooting at Uber drivers. Only to find that they themselves are operating illegally. Which means the problem is with them not Uber cabs.”

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KZN SAPS descends on KK Hostel after assault on e-hailing drivers, takes 15 men in for questioning

X user @sandijafta echoed the sentiments by saying:

“Good, they must stop abusing uber drivers.”

SANTACO denounces extortion allegations

In a related article, Briefly News reported that SANTACO distanced itself from allegations of extortion. This was after individuals pretending to be from the taxi industry extorted money from motorists.

SANTACO called on members of the public to report such criminal incidents. It said SANTACO does not sanction the individuals.

Source: Briefly News