Daniel Baloyi was reelected chairperson of the Moruleng and District Taxi Association (MODITA) at its 17 September conference in Moruleng, Rustenburg.
In his address, Baloyi reviewed the challenges and achievements of MODITA, an affiliate of the National Taxi Alliance (NTA) and United Taxi Front (UTAF).
He said MODITA had acquired three sites for commercial and office development.
The sites are intended for a mini taxi rank, retail store, hall and offices. Baloyi said a potential sponsor had been identified, and MODITA would relocate from Mogwase Shopping Centre when construction was complete.
He said his immediate priority was to unite the association.
“We must end the splinter group and have one taxi association affiliated with one mother body,” he said.
A group led by David Phiri is affiliated with SANTACO, while the recognised structure remains with the NTA.
Baloyi said SANTACO and the NTA were in talks and had revisited the referendum proposal in Rustenburg on 8 July to resolve MODITA’s dual affiliation and divisions.
The meeting included transport and regulatory officials BM Bopalamo, Phenye Vilakazi and Sammy Fenny Gaolalwe; NTA representatives Philemon Nzima; and SANTACO representative Thomas Masase.
Baloyi said a referendum planned for early next year would allow members to choose a mother body and help resolve divisions among taxi associations across the province.
He blamed Vilakazi for MODITA’s divisions, accusing him of favouring Phiri’s group and opposing the NTA in the province.
“There is a hidden agenda to remove NTA structures from North West,” he said.
Baloyi called for industry unity and urged regulators to promote growth, avoid division and act within the law.
He alleged that Vilakazi did not recognise him as MODITA chairperson and invited only Phiri’s faction to departmental activities, contrary to a court order.
Vilakazi denied that the department failed to recognise MODITA’s current leadership.
He said the government treated taxi operators equally despite internal disputes and that unfairness claims should be tested.
Vilakazi said engagement with associations sought to prevent conflict, promote coexistence and expand access to government empowerment opportunities.
He said the industry proposed the referendum to prevent conflict when one association affiliates with two mother bodies.
Vilakazi welcomed it as a selfregulation measure and a step forward, though not an immediate solution to every problem.
He urged the industry to prioritise commuters through safe, reliable and affordable transport.
Baloyi also accused the department of boycotting MODITA activities, saying Vilakazi’s office ignored an invitation to its 2026 elections.
He said the attendance of SANTACO and NTA representatives at MODITA elective conference demonstrated unity despite divisions allegedly encouraged by some provincial officials.
SANTACO attendees included Ringo Masilo of Swartklip, Mr Mthombeni of Lesuma and Mr Ntsoeleng of Haramata taxi associations.
NTA attendees included Mr Montsi of Kanana Bosfontein, Reuben Molete of Phela Madikwe Township and Mapula Moholotsi of North Scholar taxi associations.
