As thousands of commuters make their way back to Gauteng and other centres of work following the busy festive season, the South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO) reiterates its commitment to road safety and calls for continued collaboration between taxi drivers, operators, commuters, and law-enforcement agencies.
This call forms part of the ongoing Hlokomela Road Safety Campaign, which was launched on 30 November 2025 and will continue through the festive return-travel period, ending in mid-January once traffic volumes begin to lessen. The campaign is aimed at ensuring that commuters are transported in roadworthy vehicles and arrive at their destinations safely during these peak travel periods.
SANTACO continues to promote shared responsibility for safety on South Africa’s roads, recognising that safer journeys can only be achieved through cooperation between drivers and commuters. In this regard, the organisation will continue rolling out road safety activations in collaboration with law-enforcement authorities across major routes and provinces, focusing on compliance, driver awareness, and responsible road use.
Taxi drivers operating long-distance routes, particularly those travelling to and from provinces such as the Eastern Cape, as well as those involved in cross-border operations, are urged to prioritise adequate rest. Taxi owners are encouraged to continue making use of reliever drivers to reduce fatigue and improve safety. Fatigue and distracted driving remain among the leading contributors to road incidents and are strongly discouraged.
Commuters are also urged to play their part by planning their trips in advance, reducing excess luggage, and exercising patience during peak travel times. In the interest of safety, commuters are encouraged to make use of accredited public transport modes, including registered taxis operating within regulated frameworks.
Road safety is a collective responsibility. Through continued cooperation, vigilance, and mutual respect, we can work together to reduce accidents and save lives on South Africa’s roads.
For media inquiries contact:
Mmatshikhidi Rebecca Phala – National Spokesperson
Email: rphala@santaco.org
Phone: 072 848 6097 /062 648 4430