Santaco Commits to Supporting Women in the Fight Against GBV, South Africans Voice Scepticism

• The South African National Taxi Council has weighed in on the gender based violence (GBV) crisis in the country
• Santaco spokesperson Rebecca Phala explained how the association planned to assist in the fight against GBV
• South Africans reacted with scepticism on social media, questioning the taxi industry's credibility as a protector of women

Byron Pillay, a Briefly News journalist, has dedicated a decade to reporting on the South African political landscape, crime, and social issues. He worked as a newspaper journalist for 10 years before transitioning to online.

GAUTENG — The South African National Taxi Council (Santaco) has publicly committed to playing an active role in combating gender-based violence (GBV), amid growing national alarm following the discovery of nine women's bodies dumped in the Ekurhuleni area.

Santaco confirmed that it is engaging drivers, marshals, and other industry workers to build awareness around GBV and femicide, as well as equip them to respond when they witness such incidents.

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Taxi ranks as places of refuge

Santaco spokesperson Rebecca Phala said these conversations are already translating into tangible action on the ground.

She noted that the organisation has documented multiple cases in which women fleeing danger ran directly to taxi ranks, believing they would find safety there.

"We understand that we've got that responsibility. If it's super early in the morning, we need to just go the extra mile to meet the commuter where they are. Obviously, we've been keeping with the right rules of the road," Phala said.

"That's just one of the many things we do to make sure that people feel safe and that they are encouraged to continue using our vehicles," she added.

Santaco's vow sparks scepticism from the public

The pledge drew a swift and largely doubtful response on social media, with many South Africans questioning the sincerity and credibility of the announcement.

Mnqobi Black wrote:

"It's like a lion saying that it's going to protect a sheep against hyenas."

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Sboniso Duduzela said:

"The most violent industry with the most killings in South Africa is the taxi association 🙄. These people do not protect anyone; they kill a man or woman who tries to compete with their business 🤨😠."

Lukhanyo Ndamane commented:

"It's the same people that always harass them every chance they get on the road, driving by themselves or requesting Uber."

Matt Backler suggested a financial motive, writing:

"Only because they don't want to lose a big chunk of their fares."

Ali White added:

"Give them (women) free and fair means of transport. That's part of being a real man and showing remorse."

Other stories about Santaco

• In 2024, Santaco announced plans to introduce a new system enabling commuters to book long-distance travel seats online.
• Santaco hailed the government's plans to transition into a cashless taxi fare system, but South Africans remained unconvinced.
• Santaco distanced itself from the June 30 national shutdown, which was in protest against illegal foreign nationals in South Africa.

Source: Briefly News