KZN Transport to Meet SANTACO and Law Enforcement to Resolve Taxi Route Disputes

MEC Duma also recognized the collaborative efforts of law enforcement agencies and municipalities in ensuring compliance with laws and by-laws.

The KwaZulu-Natal Transport Department is set to convene a meeting with the South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO) and law enforcement officials on Thursday to address and resolve ongoing disputes over taxi routes.

This decision follows recent disruptions caused by illegal taxi operators who blocked roads in Mayiwane, Ulundi, and on the R34 in Empangeni Mill. The road in Empangeni was subsequently reopened after intervention by law enforcement and the department.

KwaZulu-Natal Transport and Human Settlements MEC, Siboniso Duma, praised SANTACO for its proactive leadership in managing the dispute over the Nkonjeni route and illegal operations in the region. MEC Duma received a briefing from the Head of the Department, Siboniso Mbhele, and his team about the longstanding issues concerning taxi routes that have persisted for over two years.

"The department's efforts and legal enforcement will be intensified to ensure stability," Duma stated, emphasizing that the upcoming meeting aims to achieve a lasting resolution and mark the start of a new chapter benefiting local commuters reliant on public transport.

MEC Duma also recognized the collaborative efforts of law enforcement agencies and municipalities in ensuring compliance with laws and by-laws. "Our priority is the safety of commuters and the public. We are committed to protecting legitimate taxi operators from illegal competitors and other criminal activities within the industry," he added.

With a focus on improving stakeholder relations, Duma announced that the department will hold regular meetings with SANTACO, which represents over 246 associations and 16 regions. He underscored the significance of SANTACO in the socio-economic landscape of the province, noting that taxi services cater to more than 15 million people daily, with an annual turnover exceeding R40 billion. The industry also invests significantly in fuel, vehicles, and tyres, highlighting its crucial role in the local economy.