Tshwane taxi drivers protest against impoundments as Santaco demands regulation of unlicensed taxis

The South African National Taxi Council (Santaco) in Tshwane has urged the government to tackle the longstanding issue of “amaphela” - small cars operating as unlicensed taxis in townships.

The call from Santaco follows Monday’s protest in Pretoria's CBD by drivers against the impoundment of their vehicles by the Tshwane metro police.

Protesters from Atteridgeville blocked traffic to draw attention to their demands, but they were prevented by the metro police who impounded five vehicles and arrested four of the drivers.

Local Santaco spokesperson Ernest Bokaba distanced the organisation from the protest, stating that the individuals involved were unlicensed operators of small cars, colloquially known as "amaphela", being used as taxis in townships. 

He emphasised that these operators are not part of Santaco's membership, adding that according to the transport regulations, they are not supposed to operate as public transport.

“The thing is we can’t blame the law-enforcement officers because if you don't have permits you are basically operating illegally. They will have to impound your vehicle,” Bokaba said.

While condemning unlicensed operations, he acknowledged that amaphela taxi services are filling a vital transport gap in townships, benefiting local communities. 

He urged the government to address the issue by regularising the operators, rather than simply cracking down on them.

“They have actually been there for many years. Most of the townships have seven-seater Avanzas and they are helping the community where 15-seater taxis can’t operate. I think we have to sit down with the government so that they can also be regulated to serve their local people within the law,” he said.

Tshwane’s mayco member for Community Safety, Hannes Coetzee, said Tshwane Metro Police Department (TMPD) acted decisively to restore order in the CBD following the illegal obstruction of several streets operating in contravention of applicable transport legislation.

“TMPD together with SAPS swiftly responded with tow trucks to tow away the vehicles blocking traffic flow resulting in five vehicles (taxis) impounded, and four suspects arrested for public violence. All the impounded vehicles were taken to TMPD pound with cost, and the arrested suspects were detained at a local police station,” he said.

Coetzee said the incident occurred when a group of taxi drivers blocked key routes in the CBD in an attempt to protest the impoundment of vehicles that were operating illegally under the National Land Transport Act 2009 (Act 5 of 2009). 

He said protesters' actions brought traffic to a standstill and posed a serious risk to commuters, businesses and emergency services.

He added that TMPD officers attempted to calmly resolve the situation, issuing repeated instructions for the vehicles to be removed, but these were ignored, leading to the impounding of vehicles and arrests.

“When it became clear that the operators intended to intimidate the city into abandoning enforcement, TMPD proceeded with the impoundment of non-compliant vehicles in line with the National Land Transport Act and applicable municipal by laws,” he said.

Coetzee said the city would not be deterred from doing the work of the government.

“The City of Tshwane will not be bullied or intimidated into abandoning the rule of law. Our responsibility is to protect the safety of residents, commuters and road users and to ensure that everyone operates within the law. Law enforcement will continue to act firmly, fairly and without fear or favour, even when it is politically uncomfortable,” he said.

rapula.moatshe@inl.co.za