SANTACO Responds to Relief Fund Controversy: It’s Just Old Backlogs

The South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO) has dismissed allegations that its members continue to receive COVID-19 relief funds long after the pandemic’s peak.

SANTACO said the Department of Transport is only finalising overdue disbursements that were delayed due to system backlogs, not issuing fresh payouts.

Spokesperson Rebecca Phala explained that the outstanding payments apply strictly to operators who qualified under the original relief fund conditions but had not received funds due to delays in processing.

“Eligibility is limited to South African citizens or permanent residents who hold a valid operating licence and are registered for income tax with the South African Revenue Service (SARS),” said Phala.

She added that non-compliant operators remain ineligible for the support, as tax registration was a mandatory requirement from the start of the relief initiative.

The relief fund was introduced at the height of the pandemic to cushion the financial impact on taxi operators, many of whom lost income due to lockdown restrictions and reduced passenger capacity.

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Sourced:EWN

Picture: DSC Attorneys