Santaco says taxi operators will not join the 30 June anti-immigration protest, while police urge peace and stability.
South African National Taxi Council (Santaco) President Abnar Tsebe said taxi drivers and other members of the minibus industry have asserted that they will not take part in the anti-immigration protest set for 30 June 2026 by the March and March movement.
Meanwhile, Lieutenant Puleng Dimpane, the acting national commissioner of the South African Police Service (Saps), has urged the broader taxi industry to become active ambassadors for peace and to ensure there is no violence in the name of the taxi industry.
‘Business as usual’
During a media address on Wednesday, Tsebe assured the public that business in the minibus industry would continue as usual, regardless of the tensions involving undocumented foreigners.
“There was a push back from our drivers to say they are not part of this,” Tsebe said.
“Our members and our drivers, they want to work.”
“So, we are officially saying it’s business as usual,” he emphasised
He also added that collaboration with Saps is just as vital during this time to ensure the smooth running of transportation services on the day.
No violence
During the briefing, Dimpane reiterated that the taxi industry is the backbone of public transport in South Africa.
“It is for this reason that we are appealing to every taxi association, every taxi owner, every operator and every driver across the country to ensure that 30 June remains business as usual.”
Dimpane has requested that Santaco leadership stand with law enforcement, the people of South Africa, and asked that they ensure that the taxi industry does not become part of any attempts to destabilise the country, disrupt economic activity or intimidate communities.
Appeal to the taxi industry
“We appeal to them to reject any calls to block roads, intimidate commuters or disrupt public life,” she added.
“Most importantly, we appeal to them to not allow criminal elements to misuse the taxi industry for unlawful purposes.”
Dimpane said that Saps has asked Santaco to keep transporting passengers and to keep routes open.
“Our economy must continue to function, our people must continue to go to work,” she explained.
Impact
Lieutenant Dimpane warned that the consequences of instability are felt most by ordinary South Africans.
“We have seen this before: when roads are blocked, workers cannot get to work.
“When transport is disrupted, learners cannot get to school.”
She added that livelihoods are affected when transport is disrupted.
“Innocent people suffer when violence erupts,” Dimpane said.
Preparation
She also reassured South Africans that law enforcement agencies remain fully prepared.
“We remind members of the public that the South African Police Service, together with our law enforcement partners, will be deployed throughout the country to ensure that public safety is maintained.”
“Any attempts to block roads, intimidate commuters, damage infrastructure, disrupt public transport networks or engage in violence will be dealt with swiftly and decisively.”
Warning that police will be on standby where criminal acts occur.