Gauteng Declares War on Mafia-Style Tactics in South Africa’s Taxi Industry

The Gauteng provincial government has declared war on taxi operators using mafia-style tactics to intimidate and extort private citizens, schools, and businesses. This escalating crisis has been elevated to the province’s “war room,” where urgent measures are being developed to address the growing threat to public safety and order.

The Rise of Taxi Mafia Tactics

Taxi operators across South Africa have increasingly resorted to intimidation, violence, and extortion to control passenger transport routes. These aggressive actions have targeted private transport providers, schools, and even individuals offering lifts to family members or coworkers.

Recent investigations by Carte Blanche have exposed disturbing incidents where taxi enforcers patrol roads, confront private motorists, and use violence to assert dominance. These tactics have been reported in provinces such as Limpopo, Eastern Cape, Gauteng, and Mpumalanga, creating a climate of fear and lawlessness.

E-hailing Services Under Attack

The e-hailing industry has also borne the brunt of taxi violence. In June 2023, several Uber drivers’ cars were torched outside malls in Soweto following a dispute with local taxi associations. The associations accused e-hailing services of stealing their business, leading to violent confrontations.

Fanyana Sibanyoni, Mpumalanga chairperson of the South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO), defended these actions as a security measure to protect taxi operators’ livelihoods. However, National Police Commissioner Fanie Masemola clarified that taxi enforcers have no legal right to stop vehicles or impose fines, and their actions constitute harassment.

Government Response

Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi has acknowledged the alarming behaviour of many taxi drivers, describing it as “bullying.” Speaking to 702, Lesufi emphasized the need for urgent intervention to restore order and safety in the transport sector.

“There is a broader concern surrounding the taxi industry, noting that some associations act as if they are a law unto themselves,” Lesufi said. “The need to render services in our communities is crucial, but unfortunately, there are grey lines in how the taxi industry operates.”

Lesufi highlighted specific instances of violence, particularly in Zonkizizwe, where tensions between taxi associations have escalated into serious conflicts. He also noted that school transport drivers have raised concerns about taxi operators attempting to take over their market.

Escalation to the War Room

The issue of taxi violence has been escalated to Gauteng’s “war room,” where the provincial government is actively working on solutions. Lesufi stressed the importance of acting on concrete evidence and implementing measures that will have a lasting impact.

“There is an urgent need to intervene in the taxi industry,” Lesufi said. He cited the example of Soweto, where residents were unable to use taxis for almost a year due to violent disputes between taxi associations.

Law Enforcement Challenges

While over 50 arrests were made last year, law enforcement alone has proven insufficient to curb the problem. Gauteng Traffic Police spokesperson Sello Marema reiterated that taxi operators have no right to stop vehicles or demand payments. However, the lack of consequences for intimidation and extortion has allowed the problem to persist.

A Call for Long-Term Solutions

The Gauteng government is committed to finding long-term solutions to restore order and safety in the transport sector. Measures under consideration include stricter regulation of taxi associations, enhanced law enforcement, and collaboration with stakeholders to address the root causes of violence.

The Gauteng provincial government’s declaration of war on mafia-style tactics in the taxi industry marks a critical step toward addressing a growing crisis. As Premier Lesufi and his team work to implement effective solutions, the focus remains on ensuring the safety and well-being of all citizens.

For now, the message is clear: the era of intimidation and lawlessness in South Africa’s taxi industry must end.

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