The South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO) has assured commuters that taxi services will operate as normal on Tuesday, 30 June, despite planned protests in parts of South Africa, while warning against any attempts to disrupt public transport.
The organisation said the taxi industry remains committed to ensuring millions of South Africans can travel safely to work, school, healthcare facilities, and other destinations, stressing that it is not participating in the planned demonstrations.
SANTACO’s statement follows discussions with the South African Police Service (SAPS), which has appealed to the taxi industry to help maintain normal transport operations and support efforts to keep roads open and public order intact.
SANTACO said all affiliated taxi associations have been encouraged to continue operating as usual and not allow commuters to become caught in any disruption linked to the protests.
“We support the call for business as usual on 30 June,” the organisation said, adding that uninterrupted public transport is essential for the country’s economic activity and the daily lives of millions of South Africans.
The council also warned that any attempts to intimidate taxi operators, block transport routes, or interfere with the movement of commuters would have serious consequences for workers, learners, and businesses that rely heavily on the minibus taxi industry.
The reassurance comes amid growing public concern over planned demonstrations expected to take place in several parts of the country. With taxis transporting an estimated 15 million passengers every day, any interruption to services could have widespread economic and social impacts.
SAPS has similarly called for calm, urging organisations and individuals participating in demonstrations to do so peacefully and within the confines of the law. Police have indicated that operational plans are in place to monitor the situation and ensure public safety while protecting the constitutional right to peaceful protest.
Authorities have also warned that criminal activities, including road blockades, intimidation, violence, damage to property, and the disruption of essential services, will not be tolerated and that law enforcement agencies will act where necessary.
In KwaZulu-Natal, SANTACO’s provincial leadership echoed the national position, assuring commuters that taxi operations across the province would continue as normal on 30 June. The organisation encouraged passengers to report for work and other commitments as they would on any ordinary weekday.
The taxi industry remains South Africa’s largest public transport provider, carrying the majority of daily commuters across urban and rural areas. SANTACO said maintaining reliable transport services is critical to supporting economic productivity and ensuring that essential workers, students, and the public can continue their daily activities without interruption.
Commuters are nevertheless encouraged to remain informed by following official updates from local authorities and transport operators, particularly if travelling through areas where demonstrations are expected.
For now, the message from both SANTACO and SAPS is clear: 30 June is expected to be business as usual for South Africa’s taxi industry.
