- Social media posts falsely claimed taxi drivers banned private vehicle use for carrying family or friends.
- The South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO) clarified it never issued such instructions and condemned the false reports on private vehicle use.
- Only law enforcement has authority over private vehicle use in South Africa, not taxi associations.
For many South Africans, the car is more than just a vehicle; it’s a lifeline for school runs, hospital visits, and family outings. That’s why shockwaves rippled through communities this week when alarming posts circulated online claiming that taxi drivers, under the banner of SANTACO, had banned private vehicle use if motorists carried more than one passenger.
The viral warnings painted a frightening picture: parents told they could not drive their own children to school, workers fearing for their safety if they offered colleagues a lift, and threats that private cars could be smashed, hijacked, or even set alight for “breaking the rule.”
For parents already stretched by transport costs and safety concerns, the rumours struck a nerve. “I panicked because my kids depend on me to get to school. I can’t just send them in taxis when I have a car,” said a mother from Soweto, who asked to remain anonymous.
SANTACO responds: We never said that
In a strongly worded statement released on Sunday, 17 August 2025, SANTACO dismissed the claims as false and damaging.
“We wish to place it on record that SANTACO has never issued such communication and has never imposed any mode of transport on the public,” it stated in a statement.
SANTACO emphasised that taxi use, like any other paid-for transport, is voluntary. It condemned individuals spreading the misinformation and urged the public not to accept such claims at face value.
The organisation also warned media outlets to verify facts before publishing, saying that reckless reporting undermines trust in both the taxi industry and the public’s sense of safety.
Who regulates South Africa’s roads?
SANTACO stressed that only law enforcement authorities, not taxi associations or drivers, have the legal mandate to regulate private vehicle use in South Africa.
“If any member of the public experiences harassment or unlawful enforcement, they should report it directly to law enforcement agencies,” the statement urged.
This clarity matters at a time when commuters often feel caught between fears of taxi violence and uncertainty about their rights on the road.
While SANTACO has taken steps to quash the panic, the incident highlights how quickly misinformation can spiral into fear, especially when tied to the long and complicated history between private motorists and the taxi industry.
Conviction.co.za
Get your news on the go. Click here to follow the Conviction WhatsApp channel.
