Staff Reporter
The South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO) has warned that planned anti-illegal immigration protests and threats of mass action could disrupt public transport, damage businesses and undermine economic stability, as tensions rise ahead of a June 30 deadline set by anti-immigration groups for undocumented foreign nationals to leave the country.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, SANTACO said it supported lawful immigration controls, effective border management and proper documentation, but cautioned that immigration reform should not be pursued through intimidation, transport blockades or actions that restrict movement.
“As a law-abiding organisation representing one of the country’s largest public transport sectors, SANTACO supports the principle that all migration into South Africa should take place through lawful channels and in accordance with the country’s immigration laws and regulations,” the council said.
The statement comes amid growing anti-migrant protests across parts of the country, including demonstrations linked to the March and March movement, which has demanded that undocumented foreign nationals leave South Africa by June 30. Government has said the deadline is not official and has warned citizens against taking the law into their own hands.
President Cyril Ramaphosa, in an address on illegal migration and anti-foreigner protests earlier this month, said only authorised government officials may act against violations of immigration law and that no private individual may demand proof of nationality from people in the street.
SANTACO said it recognised that illegal immigration was a serious concern for many South Africans and that citizens had a constitutional right to express their views and advocate for policy reform.
However, it said such action must remain lawful, peaceful and constructive.
“The Council is particularly concerned by suggestions of actions that may interfere with transport operations, restrict the movement of people, or disrupt economic activity,” SANTACO said.
“South Africa’s transport sector serves as a critical enabler of economic participation, connecting workers to jobs, learners to schools, patients to healthcare facilities, consumers to businesses, and goods to markets.”
The council said any unlawful disruption to the movement of people and goods could affect livelihoods, productivity, businesses and investor confidence.
The warning is significant because the minibus taxi industry is one of the country’s most important commuter networks, carrying millions of people daily, particularly workers and low-income households who rely on taxis to reach jobs, schools, clinics and trading hubs.
“The taxi industry’s business is the movement of people. Every day, millions of commuters rely on taxi services to access opportunities and essential services,” SANTACO said.
The council also pointed to the role of taxis in cross-border travel and trade within the Southern African Development Community region, saying operators transported passengers, traders, tourists, workers and families who contributed to regional economic activity.
“Any action that creates uncertainty, discourages travel, disrupts transport services, or projects instability may have unintended consequences not only for the transport sector but also for tourism, trade, regional integration, and broader economic growth,” it said.
Recent anti-migrant protests have been accompanied by reports of attacks, looting and intimidation targeting foreign nationals, including people who say they are legally in the country. Several African governments have moved to repatriate some of their citizens, while South African ministers have warned that the violence is damaging the country’s reputation and fuelling diplomatic tensions.
SANTACO urged protest organisers, communities and political formations to ensure that demonstrations remain within the law and respect the rights, safety and dignity of all people.
“South Africa’s challenges can only be addressed sustainably through lawful engagement, effective governance, constructive dialogue, and the consistent enforcement of existing legislation,” the council said.
It also called on government to continue strengthening border management systems, improving immigration administration and ensuring that immigration laws are applied fairly and consistently.
“At the same time, those who enter, reside, work, or conduct business in South Africa should do so in full compliance with the laws of the country,” SANTACO said.
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