Latest news with #SouthAfricanNationalTaxiCouncil
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.
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
The South African
12-06-2025
- Automotive
- The South African
3 pieces of GOOD news for the South African taxi industry
There have been three major developments in the South African taxi industry in recent weeks. Firstly, government announced it will scrap nearly 2 000 illegal/unroadworthy minibus taxis. Likewise, there is a directive to convert approximately 400 vehicles to alternative fuels, too. This progress in the South African taxi industry is all part of a 'Taxi Recapitalisation Plan' that was presented in parliament last month (Tuesday 20 May 2025). As such, government's broader mandate is to finally modernise the industry through various projects. In time, these vital industry reforms will translate into savings for the end user. Image: File Like them or loathe them, the South African taxi industry is the lifeblood of the country's economy. More than two thirds (66%) of the nation relies on public transport to get to and from work each day. As such, another piece of good news is that the South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO) won't raise fares this month. When the Minister of Finance Enoch Godongwana hiked the General Fuel Levy (GFL) for the first time in three years, it was widely anticipated that taxi fares would increase in June 2025. This would add yet more financial pressure to the country's poor. Effective from this month, the GFL increased by 16c per litre and 15c per litre for petrol and diesel respectively. As a result, the total cost of GFL is R4.01 per litre for petrol and R3.85 per litre for diesel. That taxi fares are unmoved is a remarkable turn of events when you remember that the Carbon Levy increased by 3c per litre back in April, too. We're not there yet, but cleaner, greener and safer, is what the future of the South African taxi industry is all about. Image: File Furthermore, new Liquid Petroleum Gas (LPG) conversions will lower the cost of fuel for taxis by as much 35%, reports BusinessTech . The department says LPG is the most viable alternative fuel because of the ease of conversion for minibus taxis. Better still, LPG runs cleaner, providing a longer engine lifespan and less maintenance. The option of dual systems is also viable for long-range commutes. At last count, the department says only seven taxis have converted as part of the LPG pilot project. It hopes to install 400 conversion kits. Finally, stakeholders in the South African taxi industry are once again encouraged to take advantage of the Taxi Recapitalisation Projects (TRP). Government says voluntarily surrendered unroadworthy minibus taxis will be scrapped free of charge. And owners/operators will gain access to an allowance which they can recapitalise on a new taxi. The department believes there are as many as 2 350 illegal/unroadworthy taxis still operating in South Africa. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The Citizen
12-06-2025
- General
- The Citizen
Santaco mourns deaths of learners in Eastern Cape floods
The number of school children confirmed to have been in a 22-seater scholar transport bus was thirteen. The devastation caused by floods in the Eastern Cape. Picture: Premier Lubabalo Oscar Mabuyane/Facebook. As the search resumes for four missing pupils who were in the minibus taxi when it was swept away by torrential floods in the Koloni village, in Mthatha, the South African National Taxi Council (Santaco) expressed sadness at the tragedy. On Wednesday, Eastern Cape Premier Oscar Mabuyane stated that the number of school children on a 22-seater scholar transport bus was thirteen, excluding the driver and his assistant. 'Three pupils were rescued alive, and sadly, six pupils have been confirmed to have been deceased, together with the driver and his assistant.' Tragic incident Santaco spokesperson Mmatshikhidi Rebecca Phala said the taxi organisation is deeply saddened by the tragic incident. 'Santaco national representatives will today join the Eastern Cape leadership to visit the scene of the tragedy to offer support to the search and recovery teams currently working tirelessly to locate the missing pupils. ALSO READ: Where are the kids? Eastern Cape scholar transport recovered, but children still missing [VIDEO] 'This visit is also intended to show solidarity with the affected community and to assess how best to assist during this difficult time,' Phala said. Condolences Phala also extended Santaco's 'heartfelt condolences' to the families of the learners who lost their lives, as well as to all other victims impacted by the recent flooding in the province. 'Our thoughts and prayers are with the grieving families, school communities, and all those affected. 'Santaco stands united in mourning and will continue to support efforts aimed at recovery, healing, and preventing further tragedies of this nature in line with our Hlokomela road safety campaign,' Phala said. Other deaths The tragic floods that have wreaked havoc in the Eastern Cape have claimed 49 lives. Mabuyane was shocked by the disaster. 'In all the years I have lived, I have never seen a disaster like this.' The number is expected to increase as rescue workers are still searching for missing people, particularly in the OR Tambo District Municipality, where flooding and landslides have left hundreds of families displaced. Mabuyane added that infrastructure technical teams have begun assessing the extent of the damage and identifying the necessary interventions. The premier urged residents to remain vigilant and follow the guidance of the local disaster management team. ALSO READ: 'You can't save Eastern Cape with 1 helicopter': Mabuyane admits province struggles with disaster management amid weather crisis
