This decision by the Department of Community Safety and Transport Management follows protests by the South African National Taxi Council (Santaco) in the Dr Kenneth Kaunda District on Monday (17/3).

Santaco members blocked national roads, voicing frustration over long-standing delays in issuing operating licenses. Taxi owners have waited years for permits, only to be informed MEC Wessels Morweng had instructed officials to halt the issuance of new permits, said North West Santaco spokesperson Shiyekile Matjekani.

He criticised Morweng for failing to engage with industry leaders, claiming he had been unavailable for meaningful discussions for some time. Santaco has called for urgent meetings with the MEC, the premier, and municipal officials to resolve the issue.

Following Monday’s protests, Morweng met with Santaco members and assured them their concerns had been heard. He acknowledged Santaco wanted direct engagement with him and the premier and committed to expediting solutions.

Morweng said while some operational matters remain under discussion, a miscommunication occurred. The department’s initial message – meant to address overcrowding in the taxi industry – was misunderstood as a blanket halt on all permits, which was never the intention.

“We cannot halt all services because the industry is crucial for daily transportation,” Morweng said. The department is still working through a backlog of old permits and, as per the agreement with Santaco, will not issue permits to new applicants for now.

While this decision addresses immediate concerns, efforts are ongoing to improve and sustain the taxi industry. The department plans to tackle other issues raised by Santaco to ensure a better-regulated and sustainable sector.

OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi cg