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The South African
12-06-2025
- Automotive
- The South African
3 pieces of GOOD news for the South African taxi industry
There have been three major developments in the South African taxi industry in recent weeks. Firstly, government announced it will scrap nearly 2 000 illegal/unroadworthy minibus taxis. Likewise, there is a directive to convert approximately 400 vehicles to alternative fuels, too. This progress in the South African taxi industry is all part of a 'Taxi Recapitalisation Plan' that was presented in parliament last month (Tuesday 20 May 2025). As such, government's broader mandate is to finally modernise the industry through various projects. In time, these vital industry reforms will translate into savings for the end user. Image: File Like them or loathe them, the South African taxi industry is the lifeblood of the country's economy. More than two thirds (66%) of the nation relies on public transport to get to and from work each day. As such, another piece of good news is that the South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO) won't raise fares this month. When the Minister of Finance Enoch Godongwana hiked the General Fuel Levy (GFL) for the first time in three years, it was widely anticipated that taxi fares would increase in June 2025. This would add yet more financial pressure to the country's poor. Effective from this month, the GFL increased by 16c per litre and 15c per litre for petrol and diesel respectively. As a result, the total cost of GFL is R4.01 per litre for petrol and R3.85 per litre for diesel. That taxi fares are unmoved is a remarkable turn of events when you remember that the Carbon Levy increased by 3c per litre back in April, too. We're not there yet, but cleaner, greener and safer, is what the future of the South African taxi industry is all about. Image: File Furthermore, new Liquid Petroleum Gas (LPG) conversions will lower the cost of fuel for taxis by as much 35%, reports BusinessTech . The department says LPG is the most viable alternative fuel because of the ease of conversion for minibus taxis. Better still, LPG runs cleaner, providing a longer engine lifespan and less maintenance. The option of dual systems is also viable for long-range commutes. At last count, the department says only seven taxis have converted as part of the LPG pilot project. It hopes to install 400 conversion kits. Finally, stakeholders in the South African taxi industry are once again encouraged to take advantage of the Taxi Recapitalisation Projects (TRP). Government says voluntarily surrendered unroadworthy minibus taxis will be scrapped free of charge. And owners/operators will gain access to an allowance which they can recapitalise on a new taxi. The department believes there are as many as 2 350 illegal/unroadworthy taxis still operating in South Africa. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
Globe and Mail
10-06-2025
- Climate
- Globe and Mail
At least seven people dead as floods and snow hit South Africa
At least seven people have died in flooding in South Africa after a weather front bringing heavy rain and snow hit eastern and southern provinces, officials said Tuesday. A bus carrying high school students was swept away in the floods in the Eastern Cape province and an unknown number of children were missing, the provincial government said in a statement. Three children were rescued after they clung onto trees, according to the South African National Taxi Council, which said the bus was operated by one of its members. Disaster response teams have been activated in the province on the south coast. Six people died in flooding in the Eastern Cape city of Mthatha, where houses and cars were left submerged. A seventh body was recovered near the town of Tsolo, around 40 kilometers (25 miles) northwest of Mthatha, the provincial government said. It said a search was underway for the minibus carrying schoolchildren that was swept away on Tuesday morning. SANTACO, the taxi council, said it was unclear how many children there were on the 22-seater bus when it was swept away by floodwater at a bridge near Mthatha. 'Eyewitnesses at the scene reported seeing at least three (children) clinging to trees and calling for help,' SANTACO said. 'The three have since been rescued.' Eastern Cape Premier Oscar Mabuyane said 'this is a devastating reminder of nature's force.' Another five people were killed in a car crash in the Eastern Cape on Tuesday when a minibus taxi overturned, according to provincial transport department spokesperson Unathi Binqose. He said the driver of the minibus was attempting to avoid a tree that had fallen onto the road. The South African Weather Service has forecast several days of disruptive rain and snow for the Eastern Cape and the neighboring KwaZulu-Natal province along the east coast. Part of a major highway connecting the two provinces was closed because of snow and disaster response teams were also activated in KwaZulu-Natal. South Africa occasionally experiences snow in some parts, but authorities had warned for days that a particularly strong cold front was about to hit the country.
The Independent
10-06-2025
- Climate
- The Independent
At least 7 people have died and schoolchildren were swept away as floods and snow hit South Africa
At least seven people have died in flooding in South Africa after a weather front bringing heavy rain and snow hit eastern and southern provinces, officials said Tuesday. A bus carrying high school students was swept away in the floods in the Eastern Cape province and an unknown number of children were missing, the provincial government said in a statement. Three children were rescued after they clung onto trees, according to the South African National Taxi Council, which said the bus was operated by one of its members. Disaster response teams have been activated in the province on the south coast. Six people died in flooding in the Eastern Cape city of Mthatha, where houses and cars were left submerged. A seventh body was recovered near the town of Tsolo, around 40 kilometers (25 miles) northwest of Mthatha, the provincial government said. It said a search was underway for the minibus carrying schoolchildren that was swept away on Tuesday morning. SANTACO, the taxi council, said it was unclear how many children there were on the 22-seater bus when it was swept away by floodwater at a bridge near Mthatha. 'Eyewitnesses at the scene reported seeing at least three (children) clinging to trees and calling for help,' SANTACO said. 'The three have since been rescued.' Eastern Cape Premier Oscar Mabuyane said 'this is a devastating reminder of nature's force.' Another five people were killed in a car crash in the Eastern Cape on Tuesday when a minibus taxi overturned, according to provincial transport department spokesperson Unathi Binqose. He said the driver of the minibus was attempting to avoid a tree that had fallen onto the road. The South African Weather Service has forecast several days of disruptive rain and snow for the Eastern Cape and the neighboring KwaZulu-Natal province along the east coast. Part of a major highway connecting the two provinces was closed because of snow and disaster response teams were also activated in KwaZulu-Natal. South Africa occasionally experiences snow in some parts, but authorities had warned for days that a particularly strong cold front was about to hit the country. ___
Associated Press
10-06-2025
- Climate
- Associated Press
At least 7 people have died and schoolchildren were swept away as floods and snow hit South Africa
CAPE TOWN, South Africa (AP) — At least seven people have died in flooding in South Africa after a weather front bringing heavy rain and snow hit eastern and southern provinces, officials said Tuesday. A bus carrying high school students was swept away in the floods in the Eastern Cape province and an unknown number of children were missing, the provincial government said in a statement. Three children were rescued after they clung onto trees, according to the South African National Taxi Council, which said the bus was operated by one of its members. Disaster response teams have been activated in the province on the south coast. Six people died in flooding in the Eastern Cape city of Mthatha, where houses and cars were left submerged. A seventh body was recovered near the town of Tsolo, around 40 kilometers (25 miles) northwest of Mthatha, the provincial government said. It said a search was underway for the minibus carrying schoolchildren that was swept away on Tuesday morning. SANTACO, the taxi council, said it was unclear how many children there were on the 22-seater bus when it was swept away by floodwater at a bridge near Mthatha. 'Eyewitnesses at the scene reported seeing at least three (children) clinging to trees and calling for help,' SANTACO said. 'The three have since been rescued.' Eastern Cape Premier Oscar Mabuyane said 'this is a devastating reminder of nature's force.' Another five people were killed in a car crash in the Eastern Cape on Tuesday when a minibus taxi overturned, according to provincial transport department spokesperson Unathi Binqose. He said the driver of the minibus was attempting to avoid a tree that had fallen onto the road. The South African Weather Service has forecast several days of disruptive rain and snow for the Eastern Cape and the neighboring KwaZulu-Natal province along the east coast. Part of a major highway connecting the two provinces was closed because of snow and disaster response teams were also activated in KwaZulu-Natal. South Africa occasionally experiences snow in some parts, but authorities had warned for days that a particularly strong cold front was about to hit the country. ___ AP Africa news:
Eyewitness News
07-06-2025
- Eyewitness News
SANTACO calls for calm heads after deadly shooting at CT's Mfuleni taxi rank
CAPE TOWN - The South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO) has called for calm heads following a deadly shooting at the Mfuleni taxi rank in Cape Town. On Friday, four taxi operators were shot dead, while two others and a commuter were wounded. ALSO READ: Western Cape cops vow to net gunmen behind fatal Mfuleni taxi rank mass shooting Police suspect that tensions over a taxi route between Mfuleni township and Somerset West might be the cause of the attack. SANTACO in the Western Cape said it's deeply disturbed by the deadly shooting. SANTACO provincial chairperson Mandla Hermanus said they'll be meeting with the CATA and CODETA taxi associations to try and get to the bottom of this attack. 'We urge all operators to remain calm and exercise maximum restraint. This incident must not be allowed to derail the efforts underway to build peace and unity within the taxi industry across the province.' A cash reward of R100,000 is offered to anyone who can help detectives bring the gunmen responsible to justice.
