By Johannah Malogadihlare
The South African Federation of Trade Unions has called on the government to urgently address what it describes as “unchecked” bullying and intimidation by the taxi industry against motorists and civilians.
This comes after the recent suspension of the Rea Vaya city bus service, which began on Monday, November 4, 2024, when certain Soweto taxi associations intimidated commuters seeking alternative transport.
The taxi bosses interfered with bus routes to pressure the City of Joburg Transport MMC, Kenny Kunene, leading to a service halt that has severely affected residents’ daily lives and called the need for government intervention.
Kunene attributed the situation to a depot error where buses were mistakenly deployed with the wrong registration plates, which incensed the taxi industry.
Under industry standards, buses and taxis are required to have license plates registered in the province where they operate.
Saftu General Secretary Zwelinzima Vavi called for swift, decisive action against what he termed “unacceptable behavior.”
He said that such actions infringe on South Africans’ constitutional right to freedom of movement, reducing transport options through fear and intimidation.
“This failure of regulation and accountability has fostered a hostile environment for passengers,” Vavi added, questioning the government’s ability to protect its citizens.
“Instead of working toward a cooperative and accessible public transport system, the taxi industry’s approach has made South Africa’s transport network less safe, more limited, and contentious.”
Vavi also called on the South African Police Service to intervene to prevent further conflict.
Saftu also said the need for government-led dialogue to involve all transportation providers, aiming to create a fair, competitive system that ensures commuter safety and respects citizens’ right to choose their preferred transport options.
Saftu further demanded that the government take immediate action to address misconduct within the taxi industry.
The federation contends that the lack of effective government response has enabled a culture of hostility and lawlessness, compromising safety and reliability across the public transport network.
The ongoing harassment, Vavi noted, not only endangers public safety but also infringes on the rights of all South Africans.
Saftu argues that the taxi industry’s aggressive tactics – claiming exclusive rights to passenger transport and blocking alternatives like e-hailing services, scholar transport, and private arrangements – are detrimental to South Africa’s transport needs.
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