The South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO) has confirmed taxi operators will continue working on June 30.
This comes as authorities prepare for anti-immigration protests linked to planned linked to undocumented migrants.
The engagement follows talks between SANTACO leadership and the South African Police Service (SAPS) aimed at maintaining stability in the ahead of the planned demonstrations.
The Police Ministry estimates that security and policing for the planned march could cost about R600 million.
Acting National Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Puleng Dimpane said SAPS engaged SANTACO due to the industry’s central role in transporting millions of commuters daily.
Dimpane said police requested cooperation from the taxi sector to “ensure that the taxi industry does not become part of any attempts to distabilise the country, disrupt economic activity or intimidate communities.”
She said SAPS aims to ensure that June 30 proceeds without disruption to essential transport services.
“The taxi industry is the backbone of public transport in South Africa. Every day, millions of people rely on taxis to get to work, school, hospitals and places of business,” she said.
“It is for this reason that we are appealing to every taxi association, every taxi owner, every operator and every driver across the country to ensure that June 30 remains business as usual.”
SAPS and SANTACO meeting ahead of June 30 protests
The briefing between SAPS and SANTACO took place ahead of expected demonstrations linked to immigration tensions.
Authorities are preparing for possible disruptions as groups linked to the March and March movement call for action related to undocumented migrants, raising concerns about transport stability and public order.
Police warn against disruption during anti-immigration protests
Police have warned taxi operators and other stakeholders against any attempts to block roads, intimidate commuters, or disrupt public services during the planned protests.
Dimpane said any unlawful activity during the June 30 protests would be met with a decisive response.
“When roads are blocked, workers cannot go to work. When transport is disrupted, learners cannot go to school. When businesses close, livelihoods are affected,” she said.
She confirmed that law enforcement agencies will be deployed nationwide on June 30 to maintain order and protect essential infrastructure.
“We will protect 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,” she said.
SANTACO distances itself from June 30 protest disruption
SANTACO President Abner Tsebe said the organisation supports lawful protest but rejects any action that disrupts transport operations or public safety.
“Our business is the movement of people,” he said.
“Every day our members transport commuters from point A to places of employment, educational institutions, healthcare facilities, places of worship and businesses that form part of everyday life in South Africa.”
Tsebe said SANTACO has no role in immigration policy or enforcement and urged that such matters be handled through lawful government processes.
He confirmed that taxi operators will continue normal operations during the protests.
“We can assure you that our members and our drivers want to work. So we are officially saying it’s business as usual,” he said.
SAPS and private security prepare nationwide deployment
Around half a million private security officers are expected to assist police during the planned demonstrations linked to anti-immigration protests.
Authorities said planning has drawn on lessons from the July 2021 unrest, which caused widespread damage and disruption.
Note: The South African government has not issued an official June 30 ultimatum to undocumented foreigners.
A graphic circulating on social media created the impression of a formal deadline, but fact-checkers confirmed no such directive was issued.
