SANTACO Western Cape has distanced itself from any criminal activities allegedly committed by individuals within the organisation, stressing that everyone must be held accountable for their own wrongdoing.

Organisation distances itself from individual misconduct

SANTACO WC public relations officer Makhosandile Tumana clarified that the organisation cannot continue to be blamed for actions it did not commit.

“We are saying to all our members who are involved in criminal activities, some of whom are appearing in court, that the organisation has nothing to do with those actions. The organisation cannot be blamed for the conduct of individuals within our association. We want the law to take its course,” said Tumana.

He emphasised that the statement was not directed at any specific individual.

In a statement released on Friday,22 May, SANTACO WC said it had noted with serious concern the matters currently before the courts involving certain individuals linked to the taxi industry.

The organisation stated that it does not condone violence, extortion, intimidation, or any form of criminal conduct.

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Commitment to law enforcement and due legal processes

“The matters before the courts relate to individuals and due legal processes must be allowed to unfold without interference or prejudice. Membership or leadership within the taxi industry does not exempt any person from accountability before the law,” the statement read.

SANTACO WC further stated that it wants to be part of the solution and not be viewed as part of the problem.

In this regard, the organisation said it remains ready and willing to work collectively with all relevant stakeholders to restore public confidence and stability within the public transport sector.

Support for anti-extortion and industry stabilisation efforts

SANTACO WC also expressed support for and willingness to participate in:

– Joint anti-extortion task teams;
– Industry stabilisation initiatives;
– Violence prevention programmes;
– Route dispute mediation mechanisms; and
– Community and stakeholder engagement platforms.
The organisation reaffirmed its commitment to cooperating with law enforcement agencies and the provincial government to promote stability, safety, accountability and professionalism within the public transport sector.

It also cautioned against broad generalisations about the entire taxi industry based on allegations against a few individuals, noting that thousands of operators continue to serve commuters responsibly and with dignity across the province every day.

SANTACO WC highlighted the following points:

– Thousands of operators transport commuters daily without involvement in criminal conduct;
– Many families depend on the taxi industry for survival and employment;
– Communities rely heavily on taxi services as a critical mode of transport; and
– Criminality must never be allowed to define an entire sector.
The organisation said it remains committed to rebuilding public trust, strengthening ethical leadership and promoting unity and lawful conduct within the industry.

Call for unity, accountability, and ethical leadership

SANTACO WC believes that through cooperation, accountability and decisive leadership, meaningful progress can be made in addressing the challenges facing the sector while protecting the integrity of the broader taxi industry.