Hlokomela Campaign Promotes Learner Safety in eThekwini Schools

As the new school year kicks off, the South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO) has stepped up to ensure the safety of learners. On Friday, SANTACO conducted a special safety operation in Isiphingo aimed at making school transport safer for children. The initiative, led by SANTACO’s Hlokomela campaign, focused on inspecting taxis and other vehicles used for transporting learners to ensure compliance with safety regulations. Officials checked the roadworthiness of vehicles, driver licenses, and Professional Driving Permits (PRDPs). SANTACO Representative, Mabandla Mkhize emphasised on the importance of the operation and it’s effectiveness as there are new drivers on the road transporting learners. “By doing this inspection, new drivers will be introduced to the regulations and safety precautions in order to avoid endangering practices like overloading and absence of PRDP’s to maintain road safety.” The operation, conducted in collaboration with the eThekwini Metro Police and the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), uncovered concerning practices , ,including overloading and unlicensed drivers. Some vehicles were found using unsafe modifications, such as stacking buckets as makeshift seats to increase passenger capacity. Any violations were handed over to Metro officers or the NPA. Officials checking the roadworthiness of vehicles, driver licenses, and Professional Driving Permits (PRDPs), Picture Credits: Sbusiso Wanda) Daniel Hiralall from the eThekwini Transport Authority (ETA), spoke on the alternative approach to ensure that learner safety is maintained. “Likewise, as we have the Moja Cruise project which is active, added to the Public Transport sector is our next project that we’ve already initiated with SANTACO focusing on learner Transport because we believe that learners are important role players as kids. The sector transformation is still underway.”Hiralall also stressed the importance of drivers’ dress code, wellness, and understanding their core role in transporting students. The operation is still underway.

SANTACO Launches “Hlokomele” Operation to Ensure Safe Back to School Commutes

The South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO) has launched its “Hlokomele” operation to ensure a safe commute for learners returning to school. This initiative focuses on reducing accidents and crimes involving taxis during the back-to-school period. SANTACO aims to address the safety of learners who rely on taxis for transportation. The operation is designed to enhance security and ensure that taxis operate responsibly. This includes enforcing stricter safety protocols, such as regular vehicle inspections, ensuring drivers adhere to speed limits, and providing adequate training for taxi operators. The initiative also seeks to reduce incidents of crime, such as robberies and assaults, by increasing police presence and coordination with local law enforcement. Taxi drivers will be reminded to avoid dangerous driving behaviors like overloading and reckless speeding, which often lead to accidents. SANTACO emphasizes that learners’ safety is a top priority, and all taxi operators must uphold the highest standards of care. In addition to addressing safety concerns, the operation aims to improve the overall quality of service for learners. It focuses on ensuring that taxis operate on time, providing a reliable and consistent service for schoolchildren. The initiative is also working to promote better relationships between taxi drivers, passengers, and communities to foster a sense of security. SANTACO’s “Hlokomele” operation is a timely and important response to the increased demand for transportation during the school year. By prioritizing the safety of learners, the initiative not only helps ensure smooth commutes but also works to build a safer and more responsible taxi industry. Through these efforts, SANTACO hopes to contribute to a safer environment for schoolchildren and the broader public. In conclusion, the “Hlokomele” operation reflects SANTACO’s commitment to improving public transportation safety, particularly for vulnerable schoolgoers during the busy back-to-school period. Taxi operators and drivers will work closely with law enforcement agencies to guarantee the safety of passengers.

Paving the way for a safer and smarter South African Trasport System.

In South Africa, October is known as Transport Month, a time to recognize transport’s important role in the country’s growth and development. The Department of Transport, along with other groups use this month to raise awareness about road safety, improve infrastructure, and promote investments in the transport system. It is also a chance to highlight progress and address challenges in the transport sector. The South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO), which represents taxi operations, has been speaking about major industry issues. Recently, SANTACO expressed concerns about rising fuel prices, which have made it more expensive for taxi drivers and owners to operate. This year, a lot of focus is on the taxi industry, which is a key part of public transport for millions of South Africans.  As fuel costs continue to rise, there is also always a possibility that taxi fares will need to increase, as operators struggle to keep prices fair to passengers while covering their costs. Besides financial challenges, SANTACO has been advocating for better regulations and official recognition of the taxi industry. They feel that, despite its importance, the taxi industry hasn’t received enough government support or investment in infrastructure. In response, the government has begun discussions with industry leaders to address these issues, aiming to create a more efficient and sustainable public transport system. Another important issue is road safety, the taxi industry is often criticized for road accidents and not following traffic rules. To address these challenges, SANTACO has promised to improve safety by providing better training for drivers and ensuring that traffic rules and laws are followed more strictly. This is especially important in October, as Transport Month highlights the need for safer and more efficient transport systems in South Africa. The following brief statement was included in the invitation by the SANTACO KZN October Month Program. “The leadership will pay a visit to all the 16 regions in KZN, for the initiative to be effective and the objectives to be attained.” Furthermore, the statement reveals that in 2024 Transport Month is a key time to discuss these issues and find new ways to improve the country’s transport systems. By working together, the government, the taxi industry, and other groups can create a more effective and fair transport system for all. Journalist: Amu Malinga

MEC Duma says his department is working around the clock to bring stability in the public transport sector

KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Transport and Human Settlements, Siboniso Duma has said his department’s Roving Taxi Industry Conflict Management Task Team is working around the clock to bring stability in the public transport sector especially the taxi industry following the recent route disputes witnessed in Ulundi Mahlabathini Association. The MEC’s office together with the Task Team recently met with South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO) and some taxi associations to iron out their differences which in most cases affect commuters. Recently, MEC Duma also intervened in Ugu District when taxi operators expressed dissatisfaction with the Operation Shanela operations which resulted in a two-day shutdown. MEC Duma has outlined that the meetings agreed that the members return to their Nkonjeni, Mkhazane and Ezihlabeni routes. – Affected members made an undertaking that they would return and operate at the approved ranking facilities. Members and the executive agreed to settle their differences. – The association will proceed to assist those who have operating licenses that have lapsed. – The meeting further agreed that Operation Shanela should assist in ensuring that all routes are operated by authorized vehicles. – Minibus taxis that are found operating outside the approved taxi rank will be subjected to a legal process that could lead to operating licenses being rescinded. On the issue involving registered members of the Ikhwezi Local and Long Distance Taxi Association in Phongola, MEC Duma’s office reported that the members of the association resolved that, in line with the High Court ruling, the Durban and Johannesburg routes will be operated by all members. – Each member shall bring one vehicle to operate the long-distance routes. – The association further resolved that all long-distance routes would be operated equally. – Members who elect not to operate long-distance routes are at liberty to stick to the local routes. – The association has a limit of three operating licenses per member. – One vehicle operates long-distance routes, and two operate local routes. – The executive committee will be assisted by the SANTACO Regional Executive committee in drawing a schedule for long-distance operations. – The schedule will be implemented from 12 August 2024. – The department and SANTACO will monitor the situation to ensure that the schedule is implemented as agreed. The MEC added that “our hardworking Roving Taxi Industry Conflict Management Task Team from the department’s Provincial Regulatory Entity remains hard at work. They will continue to resolve disputes and ensure the stability of public transport sector”.

Santaco in KZN hopeful MEC Duma will help resolve their grievances

The South African National Taxi Council (Santaco) Secretary in Ugu District, Richard Mchunu has told VM Radio that his organisation hopes that MEC for Transport and Human Settlements in KZN Siboniso Duma will keep his word and resolve their issues following his intervention which led to a two-day strike being called off in the district. A week ago, Ugu District taxi operators brought everything to a stand still following their grievances pertaining from Operation Shanela issues. Mchunu said although MEC Duma didn’t give them a timeline as to when he will give them feedback after engaging with the Department of Transport, he halted Operation Shanela but he didn’t give them a clear meantime as to when it will resume. MEC Duma went to Portshepstone where he addressed the taxi operators who handed him a memorandum with their grievances and also met the SANTACO representatives, the Mayor of Ray Nkonyeni Local Municipality Zodwa Madwe and Ugu District Municipality Councillor Sikhumbuzo Isaac MMqadi. SANTACO KZN Chairperson Boy Zondi also attended the meeting. Taxi Operators in Ugu embarked on a shutdown which affected the learners as well as the workers as no scholar transport and no busues were operating. Mchunu who also sits in the Santaco KZN pec said as Santaco they hope for a positive feedback from the MEC which will resolve their grievances.

Taxi strike in Ugu District has been called off

KZN MEC for Transport and Human Settlements Siboniso Duma has announced that Ugu District taxi protest has been called off following his intervention of halting Operation Shanela for a few days. On Tuesday, MEC Duma met with the South African National Taxi Council Head and Ugu Taxi Association at Head Office in Pietermaritzburg. The strike affected many people including the learners as the scholar transports and the buses were also not operating over two days. After addressing the taxi operators at the Port Shepstone Sports Ground, the MEC also met with Mayor of Ugu District Municipality Councillor Sikhumbuzo Isaac Mqadi and the Mayor of Ray Nkonyeni Local Municipality Zodwa Mzindle and the South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO) KZN chairperson, Boy Zondi. The memorandum which MEC Duma received addressed issues on Operation Shanela and permit issues. The MEC announced that a meeting will be convened with the taxi associations in Ugu District Municipality to resolve more than a decade long conflict over routes and all parties agreed that law and order will be maintained to ensure the safety of commuters, members of the public, and socio-economic infrastructure. The MEC warned that the elements that are attempting to use the taxi industry to advance a political agenda will be isolated. The meeting also resolved to protect the taxi industry in the interest of honest taxi operators. He pointed out that his office will continue to have working relations with Santaco leadership and all KZN taxi associations which he said dates back to 1994 when Sbu Ndebele was the MEC for Transport in the province. The MEC stressed that moving forward “all parties will work collectively to ensure the stability of the taxi industry in order to make sure that the nurses, doctors and all health workers are in hospitals and clinics to provide quality care to patients, teachers are in school and teaching; pupils are in school and learning; government and Municipal workers are at work and accelerating service delivery; and workers are at work – working to grow the economy”.

KZN MEC for Transport and Human Settlements Siboniso Duma vows to transform the transport sector

KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Transport and Human Settlements Siboniso Duma has emphasised the need for ongoing engagements with the relevant stakeholders in the transport sector following social media reports of a planned taxi strike in Ugu District set to take place on July 29. According to the social media reports, the protest aims to force the Department of Transport to intervene in the issues they are facing in the region. Taxis, buses, scholar transport and e-hailing services would not be operating during the strike according to reports. Duma has also promised that the law enforcement agencies will be on standby collaborating with the his department, the municipalities which could affected as the enforcement of by-laws is critical. He is aware that his department has a duty to protect the commuters and the citizens. Duma also expressed his appreciating on what he has called the ‘bold’ leadership displayed by the South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO) in terms of managing some of the issues that are destabilising the taxi industry. He said the taxi industry is important in terms of the wellbeing of the province socially and economically. Spokesperson for the KZN MEC for Transport,and Human Settlements, Ndabezinhle Sibiya said MEC Duma will be engaging withe the leadership of SANTACO as well as associations “with a view of ensuring that all issues that are affecting the public transport sector are addressed in a manner that will benefit taxi operators, bus operators, including the operators within the e-hailing service”. Sibiya added that MEC Duma acknowledges the importance of ensuring stability within the taxi industry because there are honest taxi operators which he said should be protected at all times. MEC Duma has also announced that his department is also planning to host a Taxi Indaba in August as he has also vowed to transform and strengthen the public transport industry in the KZN province to become a catalyst of the economy. Currently, Duma is attending a two-day strategic planning where he has invited former MEC’s Willies Mchunu and Bheki Cele because he believes that they are better placed to advise him as he plans to resolve the issues in the taxi industry. MEC Duma is hopeful that the engagements will be robustly and freely to decide on a clear programme of action. “We want to repurpose the department and ensure that we achieve the revisiting and completing roads that were promised or initiated  during the era of MECs Sbu Ndebele, Bheki Cele, Willies Mchunu, Mxolisi Kaunda, Bheki Ntuli, Peggy Nkonyeni and Sipho Hlomuka. Ending the monopoly of few construction companies that are awarded road construction projects even when they perform dismally, ” said Duma. The engagements aim to put an end to the prolonged construction of roads with some taking forever to be completed as as well as fast-tracking the entry of emerging entrepreneurs into the construction sector, using the construction of roads to drive Skills Revolution as part of producing more engineers, planners, environmentalists and other experts and mainly young people. Other discussions will also look into Creating job opportunities across all corners of the province and in the process eradicate poverty as well as stimulating all sectors of the economy like the rail, maritime and aviation so to grow the GDP of the province. The department added that it will also discuss strengthening the public transport system and improve the quality of life of each and every citizen in KZN abd bridging the rural and urban divide. MEC Duma added that his department will also discuss accessing the National Infrastructure Fund “in order to fund the roll-out of road infrastructure and to develop other transport sub-sectors to accomodate the growing population and accelerate economic growth”.

Taking part in the Comrades Marathon shows transformation in the industry – Santaco

The South African National Taxi Council (Santaco) Provincial Office Manager Sifiso Shangase has said taking part again in this years’ 97th Comrades Marathon is another way of showing how the association is serious about transforming the taxi industry image.  Over the years, the taxi industry has had a bad reputation within the communities but Shangase said being part of such events shows that the industry has changed.   The organisation is also of the view that it is important to embark on the initiatives which aims to promote health and wellbeing within the communities it serves.  Speaking to Voice On The Move Radio, Shangase who is also Santaco spokesperson said his organisation was assisted by the the Operation Hlokomela teams and volunteers from the communities by giving out water and other related refreshments as the runners faced a gruelling upward run from Durban to Pietermaritzburg.  He pointed out that it should be remembered that some of the athletes are their customers passengers while others grew up using the taxis.  “Santaco is part of the communities and it helps the communities that it serves on different initiatives. The volunteers we had this year will be paid which is part of giving back to the communities that we serve and on top of that our taxis were also hired to transport some of the athletes taking part in the CMA race. All in all the day was a success, everybody won, “said Shangase.  Shangase said Santaco would like to congratulate all those who won in the ultimate human race which he said was a success.        

PKG Moja Cruise Beach Soccer

The Moja Cruise taxi operators were playing a beach soccer tournament at South Beach which began on the 20th of April 2024  and ended on the 21st of April 2024. The aim for this tournament was to create awareness of road safety and the importance of good driver behaviour while promoting a healthy lifestyle.  Philasande Made the coordinator from Durban Central explained the purpose  of the event that it was to appreciate and acknowledge the work done by taxi drivers everyday “I am the coordinator of Durban Central I also play for Ningizimu 2 Hlokomela, I am under Hlokomela. Basically todays event was to recognise drivers and showing appreciation for what they do on the road and it is also them who drive our cars as owners everyday. So we appreciate everything they do their work is recognised and treating passengers in a good manner we are thankful about everything that is why we will have a driver of the year award, showing that we do acknowledge and recognise all they do” said Philasande Made. The champion of Moja Cruise enlightened more about the moja cruise event that was held at Durban South Beach “here at home today we have games which started yesterday awards from Moja Cruise by loving what we do. we  should come together as the taxi industry  and play more games like these and also fight with the violence in this industry  and award Moja Cruise drivers because in the transportation industry we have Moja Cruise, uber, meter taxis, SAPS, ATA, Metro police we built this to celebrate Moja Cruise” said Sphiwe Mbhele.  I am taxi driver from uMlazi stated that this would help him gain more kids to transport to school ” This event will help me soo much interms of getting noticed by people in order to get chidren to transport from and to school” said Nhlakanipho Zulu. The captain of eThekwini police force commented that as the police force they were also invited to play with taxi drivers ” I am a captain for police eThekwini municipality we as the police force were asked to be a part of this event since we work with drivers each and everyday on the road to participaate in this big event” said Bheki Mnqele. The taxi driver from Lamontville commented that this event would help streghten the relationship between taxi driversfrom different regions ” we are here to buld a relationship as drivers. This will help us interms of getting to know each other and not disturb each other on the roads because we are from different regions because we will now know each other and there will be mutual respect” said Felenkosi Mngadi.  There were different games in this namely Tug of war which was divided into 3 sections(Tug of war 1,2&3), Relay, Soccer. Thcre were 8 groups of teams each group making a combining a number of 32 teams. The winners of Tug of war 1 were South 2, winners of Tug of war 2 were Durban central and winners of Tug of war 3 were Durban west. The winners of Relay were Metro police. The soccer runners up were Durban west and the winners of Soccer were Durban Metro Police.  The 32 participants were Municipality Durban west main Ningizimu 1 scholar Ningizimu 2 drivers B Ningizimu 2 drivers A Ningizimu 1 drivers A Ningizimu 2 scholar Greater north drivers B Ningizimu 2 main Durban west driver B Durban central driver A Greater north driver A Greater north scholar Durban central main Ningizimu 2 OPS Durban west OPS Ningizimu 2 Hlokomela Durban central OPS Durban west Hlokomela Greater north main Durban central Hlokomela Durban west drivers A Metro Nningizimu 1 Hlokomela Ningizimu 1 main Ningizimu 2 drivers B Durban central scholar Greater north OPS Greater north Hlokomela Durban Central Driver B Ningizimu 1 OPS Durban west schoolar.     

SANTACO KZN AGM Report 2023/24

SANTACO KZN chairperson : Mr B.B Zondi South african National Taxi Council the largestest transportation Industry in South Africa had a KZN Annual General Meeting Report for 2023/24 at Durban Olive Convention Centre under the theme “building partnership for social and economical empowerment”. The purpose of this Meeting was to update all member of SANTACO KZN Committe about what they have done in the past year. Mr B. B Zondi the Chairperson of SANTACO KZN said ” they want to implement cashless  system into taxis he then stated that they want to work on the issues of drunk driving and also pointed out that with the rise of women being raped there will be an installation of hidden cameras in taxis“. He then pointed out that there is a taxi already being tested on the roads which is designed not to start if the driver is drunk.  Mr Abner Tsebe presidence of SANTACO was also in attandance of this AGM Report where he praised SANTACO KZN for the amazing work that they are doing. Mr Tsebe said ” other provinces should look at KZN as an example but not compete with them”. SANTACO is working on giving powerful structures to women without contesting with men said Mr Tsebe in an interview with Voice on the move. Hlokomela Champion KZN also in participant of this AGM pointed out that they did a number of  Rank visits to check on the condition of taxis and the rank itself. There was also support shown by the secretary of SANTACO Mpumalanga province Mr Sibanyoni who described SANTACO KZN as part of the mouth peace in the taxi industry. SANTACO works hand in hand with the government where they will be a cate of action for safety of the people. SANTACO KZN is also part of building partnership for social and economical empowerment. The chairpeson of SANTACO womens desk Mhle Mjoli in an interview said that women do not choose to be in the taxi industry but they get in because they are left with this business by their deceased husbands. “There has been a growth in women entry in this industry as women are also trying to make a living for their kids” said Mrs Mjoli.  SANTACO in partnership with Icebolethu, Sky is the limit, Siyazithula, TRSA, Dunlop, ABSA, Altrack, Forrester Toyota, RAF, Halfway group, Toyota SA, VUM, CTU, SA Taxi finance, Standard Bank, Ukwakhile, TETA, Department of Transport had a successful Annual General meeting for the year 2023/2024.