Santaco Supports Police Appeal for Taxi Services During June 30 Protests

The South African National Taxi Council (Santaco) has expressed its support for an appeal by Acting National Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Puleng Dimpane to ensure that taxi services continue to operate normally on June 30. The call comes as the country prepares for planned nationwide protests on that date.

Lieutenant-General Dimpane urged taxi owners, drivers, and associations to keep their routes open and active. The police commissioner's primary concern is to prevent the taxi industry from being exploited or used as a tool to increase instability during the scheduled demonstrations.

This appeal occurs amid a tense atmosphere in South Africa, particularly in KwaZulu-Natal, where the government is preparing for potential volatility. Police Minister Firoz Cachalia stated that the state plans to spend R600 million to prepare for the June 30 deadline, which some anti-immigration movements have highlighted as a date for foreigners to leave the country.

In Durban, the situation has already seen significant unrest, with hundreds of immigrants seeking refuge at temporary repatriation sites. Many displaced migrants have been forced into tents at an old drive-in site after fleeing violent attacks and threats in informal settlements.

Civil society coalitions, including the Siyafana Sonke Action Campaign, have called for an immediate end to the violence and forced removals of migrants. They have urged President Cyril Ramaphosa to address the escalating crisis of pogroms and the displacement of foreign nationals.

As the June 30 date approaches, the police and taxi industry's coordination aims to ensure that public transport remains available and that the industry does not contribute to the unrest seen in recent days.