Taxi commuters were left stranded after the disruption of local taxis in Katlehong, Ekurhuleni.
This comes after taxis that ferry the community from Katlehong to various parts, such as Kempton Park, Germiston, and Alberton, stopped operations on Thursday, 29 August.
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A Katlehong Taxi People’s Association (KAPTA) member, who asked not to be named, said the taxis were not operating because of police conduct. Officials impound their vehicles every week.
He said the Department of Transport is failing to provide 10-seater and baby quantum permits. He also alleges that 7-seater vehicles operate freely through e-hailing.
“When our taxis are impounded, the owner should pay R5,000 fine.
“This is unfair to us, because the owners cannot pay the same fine as some of them have more than 10 taxis.
“If they are impounded, it will be a big struggle to pay the fine,” he said.
The South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO) Ekurhuleni regional secretary, Zwelibanzi Mnisi, said he wishes to inform the public of the current halting of taxi operations in certain parts of Ekurhuleni, including Katlehong and Germiston.
“This difficult decision stems from the ongoing impoundment of vehicles, particularly the 10-seater ‘baby buses’, which are consistently being targeted for not having operating licences.”
“These licences, however, are no longer being issued by the relevant authorities, leaving operators without any legal recourse.
“As a result, taxi operators are compelled to pay hefty fines of up to R5,000 per vehicle to retrieve their vehicles, which is an unsustainable cost that’s crippling the viability of their businesses,” he said.
Mnisi said their concern is the selective enforcement of the law.
“While our operators face daily harassment and financial penalties, 7-seater vehicles, often operating through e-hailing platforms or informal transport services, continue to operate freely without the required permits. These vehicles are hardly stopped or impounded.
“This unequal treatment by law enforcement places a disproportionate burden on the taxi industry.
“The halting of taxi operations is a necessary measure to prevent the continued victimisation and financial exploitation of our members,” he said.
He said they urge the relevant government departments to urgently engage with the taxi industry to resolve the matter and ensure equitable and lawful enforcement practices across all modes of public transport.
“Santaco Ekurhuleni remains committed to serving the commuting public and calls for immediate intervention to restore fairness, sustainability, and dignity to the taxi industry,” he said.
Paul Madonsela from Ndlanzi Section in Katlehong said commuters are taken for granted.
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“It’s sad that when taxi operators and departments are fighting the issues of work permits, we are the ones who suffer.
“They must resolve the issues in the boardrooms and let the taxis operate. People will lose jobs because of this non-operation of taxis,” he said.
