Strict warning for South African taxi operators ahead of national shutdown

The Acting National Police Commissioner has warned the South African taxi industry and its operators to ensure that tomorrow, 30 June, is a normal day of operation.

Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane was joined by the South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO) for a media briefing on the police’s plan for the March and March anti-illegal immigration protests.

“We have appealed to [the taxi industry] to keep transporting passengers. We have appealed to them to keep routes open,” the Acting Police Commissioner said.

“We appeal to them to reject any calls to block roads, intimidate commuters or disrupt public life.”

The South African Police Service (SAPS) is working closely with other law enforcement agencies, including metro police and private security, to secure the safety of citizens during the planned demonstrations.

The March and March civic movement, along with other interest groups, is calling for undocumented foreigners to leave South Africa, which has prompted enhanced police and security operations.

“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 said.

She appealed to the taxi industry not to allow criminal elements to misuse the taxi industry, adding that SAPS have asked SANTACO to issue a message of “no violence” throughout the industry.

“The message we would like to hear from every taxi rank, every taxi association and every taxi operator is simple: ‘no highway and road blockages. No intimidation. No violence. No destruction of property. No disruption of public transport’,” she said.

The Acting Police Commissioner warned taxi operators that any attempt to block roads, intimidate commuters, damage infrastructure, disrupt public transport networks, or engage in violence of any kind, will be dealt with decisively.

Business as usual

During the briefing, SANTACO President Abnar Tsebe confirmed that tomorrow will be “business as usual” for taxi operators, noting that the goals of the council align closely with those of the police.

“Both organisations have a vested interest in ensuring South Africans are safe, that communities remain stable, and that our country continues to function effectively,” he said.

Tsebe addressed widespread social media reports of apparent SANTACO warnings against the demonstration organisers, clarifying that they are false and misrepresent the council’s position.

“At no stage has SANTACO issued warnings against any individual, movement, or organisation,” he clarified.

“Our position is clear; while we respect that all South Africans enjoy the constitutional right to express their views and participate in lawful demonstrations, such activities must remain peaceful.”

Tsebe added that the rights and freedom of movement of citizens who won’t be taking part in demonstrations need to be respected.

SANTACO believes that any attempt to disrupt the movement of peoples or goods carries the potential to negatively affect livelihoods, which is why the industry has cautioned against these actions.

Tsebe explained that disruptions may have a negative impact on tourism, trade, investor confidence and broader economic growth, which will affect ordinary citizens.

“SANTACO therefore calls on all stakeholder involved in any planned demonstations, campaigns, or advocacy to strive for their activities to remain peaceful, lawful, and respectful,” he said.

“We are calling on all taxi operators, associations, and our members throughout the country to remain focused on the core mandate of the industry on 30 June 2026, as they do on any other day.”