Taxis to operate as normal during 30 June protest, SANTACO assures commuters

The South African Police Service (SAPS) has called on the taxi industry to play a leading role in ensuring peace and stability during the planned demonstrations scheduled for 30 June.

The demonstrations are being organised by advocacy group March and March, which is planning nationwide protests over illegal immigration.

The group has called for stricter enforcement of immigration laws and measures to address undocumented migration. Authorities have emphasised that while citizens have a constitutional right to protest peacefully, criminality, violence and the disruption of public services will not be tolerated.

Addressing the media on Wednesday following a meeting with South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO) President Abner Tsebe and the organisation's leadership, SAPS said the engagement formed part of broader preparations to maintain public safety and order.

Police thanked the SANTACO leadership for their willingness to engage and acknowledged the critical role played by the taxi industry in transporting millions of South Africans every day.

“The purpose of this meeting was simple but important. We wanted to speak directly to the leadership of the taxi industry because of the important role they play in our country and the influence they have over millions of commuters and thousands of taxi operators,” SAPS said.

The police appealed to SANTACO to stand alongside law enforcement and ordinary South Africans in rejecting any attempts to destabilise the country.

“We have requested them to stand with law enforcement. We have requested them to stand with the people of South Africa. We have asked them to use their voice, influence and leadership to ensure that the taxi industry does not become part of any attempts to destabilise the country, disrupt economic activity or intimidate communities.”

SAPS described the taxi industry as the backbone of public transport and urged all taxi associations, operators and drivers to ensure that 30 June remains “business as usual”.

“We have appealed to them to keep transporting passengers. We have appealed to them to keep routes open. We appeal to them to reject any calls to block roads, intimidate commuters or disrupt public life.”

Police further warned against allowing criminal elements to exploit the taxi industry for unlawful purposes and urged operators to become ambassadors for peace and respect for the rule of law.

“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 and no disruption of public transport.”

SAPS said the overwhelming majority of taxi operators are law-abiding citizens who provide an essential service to the country and should not allow themselves to be drawn into activities that threaten public safety.

“The consequences of instability are felt most by ordinary South Africans. When roads are blocked, workers cannot get to work. When transport is disrupted, learners cannot get to school. When businesses close, livelihoods are affected. When violence erupts, innocent people suffer.”

The police said they were encouraged by the response from SANTACO leadership and welcomed the organisation's commitment to engage its structures across the country.

“We are encouraged by the positive response we received from SANTACO leadership today and by their commitment to engage their structures throughout the country.”

SAPS also reassured the public that law enforcement agencies are fully prepared to manage any incidents arising from the demonstrations.

“We will protect the constitutional rights of those who wish to protest peacefully and lawfully. However, any attempts to block roads, intimidate commuters, damage infrastructure, disrupt public transport networks or engage in violence will be dealt with swiftly and decisively.”

Police urged taxi owners, drivers, queue marshals, association leaders and commuters to work together to ensure that 30 June is remembered as a day of peace and responsibility.

“Let us reject violence. Let us reject intimidation. Let us reject lawlessness. Let us keep South Africa moving.”