Last week, residents in North West took drastic action by setting fire to Quantum taxis in protest. This was sparked when a taxi association squad car stopped a vehicle carrying more than three passengers, ordering them out.
Furious with what they see as bullying tactics by the taxi associations, residents retaliated by burning the taxis. In multiple interviews, SANTACO representatives defended the restrictions, insisting that only taxis are permitted to transport passengers on the streets and that private vehicles are not allowed to do so.
This long-standing issue extends beyond the North West, affecting communities nationwide, with private cars reportedly impounded or owners fined R1 500 simply for picking up family members or friends.
SANTACO maintains that even family members cannot pick up each other in certain “taxi-controlled” areas. Frustrated community members have called on the Minister of Transport to step in, saying it’s unfair that they should leave family members stranded in fear of taxi associations.
Social media has become an outlet for residents to voice their anger, with many demanding immediate action to address this ongoing conflict.
