SAFTU calls on the government to intervene in the taxi sector’s harassment of motorists

CAPE TOWN – The South African Federation of Trade Unions (SAFTU) is calling on the government to intervene in what it calls unchecked intimidation and harassment by the taxi industry against motorists.

This follows the suspension of the Rea Vaya bus service in Joburg on Monday after the South African National Taxi Council alleged that the deployment of new buses took place without proper consultation with the taxi industry.

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SAFTU’s Mogoshadi Maserumule has pointed to a recent incident where SANTACO management in Mpumalanga warned that motorists who pick up hitchhikers will be fined R2,500.

“This continued harassment not only endangers public safety, but also violates the rights of all South Africans. We demand swift and decisive action to put an end to this unacceptable behavior. The taxi industry has a well-documented history of aggressively attacking alternative modes of transportation such as e-hailing services from the outset.”

EWN is still waiting for a response from SANTACO’s national leadership.