Latest news with #Santaco
The Citizen
17-07-2025
- Health
- The Citizen
5 projects that are happening this Mandela Day
From healthcare and housing to transport and social relief, this year's Mandela Day honours Madiba's legacy not just with words As the country marks Mandela Day on 18 July 2025, government departments, organisations and civic bodies have lined up impactful community-centred initiatives in tribute to former president Nelson Mandela's vision of dignity, justice and service. From healthcare interventions to gender justice campaigns, here are just five of countless inspiring activities taking place this year. 1. Santaco cleans ranks and tackles GBV in Ekurhuleni The South African National Taxi Council (Santaco) will mark Mandela Day with a dual-focus initiative at Esquereni Taxi Rank in Daveyton, Ekurhuleni. The programme includes a rank cleaning activity and a Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Awareness Drive in partnership with the Commission for Gender Equality. 'Former President Mandela taught us that true freedom is lived when we serve others with dignity,' said Santaco President Motlhabane Abnar Tsebe. 'This campaign reflects our commitment to clean, safe ranks and a taxi industry where no commuter is offended, harassed or harmed.' The event, which runs from 9am to 1pm, also aligns with Santaco's broader #SantacoCares and Hlokomela Road Safety and Customer Service campaigns. ALSO READ: Smile Foundation's 25 years of changing lives 2. Gauteng health launches surgical marathons In a life-saving tribute to Mandela, Gauteng Health has launched surgical marathons at hospitals across the province to reduce surgical backlogs and restore dignity to patients in need. According to the provincial department, these marathons are underway at facilities like Helen Joseph Hospital Breast Clinic, Charlotte Maxeke Academic Hospital, Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital and Dr. SK Matseke Hospital 'This initiative draws from the best global practices and ensure equitable access to surgical care and institutionalise time-based clinical accountability. 'It will mean that going forward, patients will be given clear timeframes by when their operations will be performed,' the department said. 3. Gauteng legislature leads community outreach The Gauteng Provincial Legislature will lead a Mandela Day activation in Westbury by donating essential goods and offering services to vulnerable households and shelters. Activities include food distribution, health screening, and child protection awareness in disadvantaged areas. The programme will highlight a key infrastructure project: the construction of change-room facilities (abolition blocks) at the Westbury Open Grounds ALSO READ: 'I want people to dance, to feel free': Mörda Bongz ahead of his Mandela Day performance with Soweto Gospel Choir 4. Premier Kagiso Mokgosi on the Ground in North West North West Premier Kagiso Mokgosi will take part in Mandela Day activities in Moretele Local Municipality. It will take place at Mazista village in Swartruggens at 8am The programme involves handing over renovated homes, delivering school uniforms, and launching a community garden. Mokgosi said the activities demonstrate government's commitment to 'meaningful change' at grassroots level. 5. Social Development brings services to the Eastern Cape Minister of Social Development Sisisi Tolashe, joined by the South African Social Security Agency (Sassa) and the National Development Agency, will visit Mlungisi Township in the Chris Hani District to bring services directly to residents. Services include social grants registration, community dialogues and food parcels. The event starts at 8am at the Mzingisi Skweyiya Community Hall in Ward 17. From healthcare and housing to transport and social relief, this year's Mandela Day shows that South Africans are honouring Madiba's legacy not just with words, but with deeds that uplift communities. NOW READ: Mandela Day: Secret scarves to be distributed in various parts of the country
TimesLIVE
11-07-2025
- TimesLIVE
Santaco condemns 'barbaric stabbing' of motorist by Cape Town taxi driver
The Western Cape chairperson of the South African National Taxi Council (Santaco) has apologised on behalf of the industry for a 'barbaric' road rage incident in which a minibus taxi driver allegedly repeatedly stabbed a motorist in Cape Town. The gruesome altercation at the intersection of Koeberg and Voortrekker roads in Maitland was captured on video by fellow motorists and shared on social media. It depicted the taxi driver pulling an object from his pocket while sitting on the motorist and then allegedly stabbing him — to the horror of witnesses. 'When we looked at this [footage] we were shocked. It's sad to see one of our drivers behaving in that manner which was barbaric and uncalled for,' said Santaco provincial chair Mandla Hermanus. While the footage circulated on WhatsApp only recently, the incident happened on June 26. Santaco scrutinised it and managed to identify the taxi owner and driver. Santaco then contacted law enforcement with the details. Hermanus said the driver would hand himself over to the police and be banned by the association from driving taxis. The victim's sister, Jameelah Pandey, appealed for witnesses to contact the police. 'The incident began after the taxi driver repeatedly drove recklessly, cutting my brother off and using his cellphone while driving. Unfortunately this road rage incident escalated and ended with my brother being stabbed multiple times by the taxi driver,' she wrote. 'Despite his wounds and in a state of shock, my brother managed to drive to N1 City to fetch his daughter from college. Only after arriving there did he collapse from severe blood loss.' She said petrol station attendants came to his aid. He was rushed to hospital and underwent emergency surgery for internal bleeding caused by a lacerated spleen. 'By the mercy of Allah (SWT), his major organs were missed and thanks to the thickness of his hoodie, the stab wounds to his neck were not fatal.' Her brother was discharged from hospital on July 1 and is recovering at home.
TimesLIVE
08-07-2025
- Business
- TimesLIVE
Why Nigel taxi operators are shunning their new R17m rank in Duduza
The taxi rank built for R17m by the City of Ekurhuleni in Duduza has not been used since its opening three months ago because local operators say they were not consulted about its construction. At the same time, residents say they do not see the need for the facility as they have other urgent needs, such as shopping and banking services. However, the municipality rejects the claims, saying residents and the local taxi association were informed. Also, the rank had been on the city's integrated development plan (IDP) for Duduza for some time due to the pressing transport needs of the community. The city opened the Bluegum View taxi rank in April, but the millions spent on it seem to have been in vain as taxi operators continue to use an unofficial rank in the township's Section 15. While municipal spokesperson Zweli Dlamini said the city was surprised at the taxi drivers not using the rank, the SA National Taxi Council (Santaco) said the associations in the area were not consulted about it. 'No-one consulted us, despite it being common cause that we are consulted on such [projects] as stakeholders, often as [an] intermediary between the city and taxi associations,' said Santaco's Ekurhuleni regional secretary, Zwelibanzi Mnisi. Dlamini said the rank was built in response to the need in the area, which was established through the IDP process. 'There is no way that the municipality would have built it without having consulted,' he said. 'We handed over the taxi rank to the taxi operators that are supposed to use it, and it's fully functional. If there are people who have to explain why they are not using it, it has to be the taxi operators. 'When we handed it over, everyone was excited. We are as surprised as you regarding the taxi rank not being used because there were consultations right through from the plenary phases to handover.' However, the Duduza residents who spoke to Sowetan on condition of anonymity said they were not consulted. 'We just woke up one day, and there was construction happening, and later a handover,' one resident said. 'To be honest, I don't think a taxi rank is what Duduza needs. We need shops and banks, like your Shoprite and Pep, where most people shop. We travel almost 10km to Nigel town for these services.' Another resident said the taxi rank was not close to where people lived, and that was why the operators choose to use the old, informal rank. 'The taxi operators fear they might lose business if they go to the new rank as it means the commuters might be lost to Tsakane operators as the new Bluegum View rank is not central to where people are. 'There is also infighting and a lack of good relations among the associations operating in the area,' the resident said. Tsakane is a neighbouring township to Duduza and the two are separated only by a road. No-one from the Nigel Taxi Association was available to comment . MMC for transport in Ekurhuleni Andile Mngwevu said when the taxi rank was officially opened, he handed it to the Nigel taxi association. According to Mngwevu, everything was in order and the city had given the taxis three weeks to relocate from the intersection they are illegally operating from to the new structure. However, not even the Nigel taxi association is using the rank. 'They have never come to me with any issue of why they are no longer moving because the last time we discussed it with them, we agreed that they are moving.' He said the association's U-turn regarding using the rank shows that they are dishonest. 'We've been contacting each other for a year. So it means we're engaging dishonest people. The association is dishonest, it took me a year to engage with them,' he said. While residents said they were not consulted about the rank, Ward 87 councillor Simon Hlophe whose constituency includes Duduza, said that was not true. He said the community was consulted on the establishment of the taxi rank but that its location has long been a sticking point for taxi operators. 'When the idea of a taxi rank was first raised, both the community and operators had proposed that it be built in Extension 15, even before the Sasol garage existed. However, by the time the city had a budget available, Sasol was built and the land next to it is where the taxi rank currently stands,' said Hlophe. 'The current site was previously used as a sports ground, which added to concerns. But more significantly, the association feared that abandoning Extension 15 would open the door for operators from Tsakane and Brakpan to encroach on the route, leading to possible illegal operations and conflict.' He added that the Nigel Taxi Association now appears to be divided on whether to use the newly established rank.
The Citizen
02-07-2025
- Automotive
- The Citizen
Santaco wants faster progress on infrastructure and licensing reforms
Santaco wants faster progress on commuter support, infrastructure, and licensing reforms The South African National Taxi Council (Santaco) has responded with cautious optimism to the 2025 National Transport Budget Vote. It welcomed key commitments while urging the government to act more decisively on long-standing industry challenges. Santaco's delegation, led by first deputy president Mazwe Nkonki, attended the budget vote tabled by Transport Minister Barbara Creecy in Cape Town on Wednesday. While acknowledging some progress, the council stated that critical issues facing the taxi industry remain unresolved. Road safety targets Santaco endorsed the Department of Transport's target to reduce road fatalities by 45% by 2029, describing it as 'a commendable ambition'. Although the council stressed that reaching this goal would require concrete actions such as round-the-clock traffic law enforcement and intensified public awareness efforts. 'We call for increased 24-hour traffic visibility and awareness campaigns to support this goal,' Santaco said in a statement. 'Poor road conditions continue to damage vehicles and endanger lives. We urge government to implement regular monitoring and maintenance of all roads, especially because the taxi industry's routes move from the very rural areas to the most urbanised areas.' Minister Creecy confirmed in her speech that Sanral had taken over 3 099km of provincial roads and would reprioritise maintenance efforts through its Route Road Maintenance Programme. ALSO READ: DA demands full AGSA report on R400m driving licence tender Growing frustration over commuter subsidy delays One of Santaco's strongest criticisms was the continued exclusion of taxi commuters from public transport subsidies. 'While we note the intent to explore a subsidy model, the pace is too slow. 'With taxis transporting over 60% of commuters daily, a fair, inclusive subsidy system must be urgently introduced to ensure affordability and equity,' said Nkonki. Although Creecy said her department is committed to working with the industry to reduce vehicle repayment costs and align operating licences with financial terms, Santaco stressed that 'intent alone is not enough'. ALSO READ: Outa calls for no fines during driver's licence backlog Implementation lags The council applauded the taxi industry's inclusion in government transformation and decarbonisation efforts, including the Transformation Fund, which aligns with the 2020 National Taxi Lekgotla resolutions. 'This assures the industry that government supports our idealised socio-economic development of the sector in collaboration with government,' Santaco said. However, they flagged that the implementation has been sluggish. Santaco said it supports Creecy's plans to streamline operating licence issuance and tie licence validity to vehicle finance terms. 'This will support compliance and financial sustainability for taxi owners,' the council stated. ALSO READ: Three teachers dead, two injured in horror Eastern Cape crash Industry urges accelerated action While expressing cautious optimism, Santaco outlined urgent priorities: Fast-tracking a taxi commuter subsidy model Improved maintenance of roads and taxi ranking facilities 24-hour traffic enforcement Accelerated operating licence reforms aligned with loan repayment terms 'Santaco remains committed to constructive engagement and a transport system that is fair, safe, and inclusive for all,' it said. NOW READ: Transport minister has big hopes for big plans
IOL News
25-06-2025
- IOL News
SANTACO PRAISES SLAIN ‘EXTORTION KINGPIN'
Six armed suspects were fatally shot during a shootout with police on R 61 between Mthatha and Ngcobo. Santaco national chairperson Zola Bishop Yolelo was among the deceased. Image: Armand Hough/Independent Newspapers THE South African National Taxi Council (Santaco) says its slain Eastern Cape chairperson Zola 'Bishop' Yolelo, who was killed in a shootout with police, will be remembered for 'his unwavering commitment and his robust approach' to leadership and engagement. Yolela, who is suspected of being an extortion kingpin in the Mthatha area and six others were killed when they apparently opened fire on police after having been stopped on the R61 road between Mthatha and Ngcobo on Monday afternoon. He was also suspected of being central to the recent attempts to extort Gift of the Givers teams assisting the Eastern Cape government in providing aid to victims of the recent deadly floods. However, the police could not confirm his involvement in the latest incident where aid teams were threatened not to provide water to residents as this was interfering with their 'business'. The police referred questions to the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) instead. Eastern Cape police spokesperson, Nobuntu Gantana confirmed that the intelligence driven operation targeted individuals suspected of involvement in extortion activities within the area. 'Six armed suspects were fatally shot during a shootout with police on R 61 between Mthatha and Ngcobo. Police stopped the vehicle, and the suspects stopped. The suspects stepped out of the vehicle and opened fire on police members. Officers returned fire in self-defence, resulting in the fatal shooting of all six suspects. 'The identities of the deceased are currently unknown. Forensic processes are underway to formally identify them. Firearms recovered from the suspects will undergo ballistic analysis,' said Gantana. 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Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad Loading Ipid did not respond to requests for comment by deadline. Santaco said it had learnt about Yolelo's death with 'deep sadness and shock'. 'Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, colleagues, and the entire industry at this difficult time,' santaco spokesperson, Rebecca Phala said. Santaco said Yolelo's journey in the taxi industry started from humble beginnings as a car washer and conductor, rising through the ranks serving as chairperson of the Uncedo Mthatha Taxi Association, regional chairperson of the OR Tambo Regional Council, and as a member of the NEC of Uncedo Taxi Association. Zola 'Bishop' Yolelo. Image: Facebook He later became part of Santaco's provincial leadership in the Eastern Cape when he was elected provincial chairperson in April 2022. That was two years after police had issued a reward for information leading to his arrest over his alleged involvement in taxi-related murder cases around Mthatha, Qumbu, Tsolo, Libode and Nqgeleni. At the time in 2018, police had said: " Although several suspects have already been arrested and appeared at courts, these suspects (Zola Bishop Yolela , Melikhaya Ndaba, Thabile Ntshovulana and Latuzana Makhamba) remain at large. Attempts to trace them thus far have been unsuccessful as they continually escape being arrested." Phala said Yolelo played a key role in founding and chairing the Eastern Cape Transport Tertiary Co-operative Limited (ECTTC) in 2010, advancing the formalisation and transformation of the taxi industry. The royal house of AbaThembu once again maintained that Yolelo was never a traditional leader and/or a Chief of the Mthatha West Area. 'It is a matter of public record that the Royal House of AbaThembu took legal steps against Mr Zola Yolelo 'bishop' before the Mthatha High Court; and successfully proved that Mr Zola Yolelo had no legal standing as leader of the Mthatha West either as chief or ordinary leader. 'We call upon all other individuals masquerading as chiefs and/or traditional leaders in the area, enabling their criminal enterprise as extortionists to immediately desist from such criminal behaviour. Desist now,' said the office of King Buyelekhaya Dalindyebo. Gift of the Givers could not be reached for comment yesterday. The ANC in the Eastern Cape did not respond to requests for comment on Yolelo's death and his ties to the party. Cape Times
