The South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO) has called for lawful immigration reform and warned against protest action that could disrupt public transport, economic activity and regional trade.
SANTACO’s National Spokesperson Rebecca Phala says migration into South Africa should happen through legal channels and in line with the country’s immigration laws and regulations.
“As a law-abiding organisation representing one of the country’s largest public transport sectors, SANTACO believes all migration into South Africa should take place through lawful channels and in accordance with immigration laws and regulations,” Phala said.
She acknowledged the impact of illegal immigration in communities and for government to act on citizens’ concerns.
“Citizens have a constitutional right to raise concerns and demand for change.”
SANTACO warned that unlawful disruption to transport systems could have wide-reaching effects on livelihoods, productivity and investor confidence.
The taxi mother body urged all groups involved in demonstrations campaigns to act within the law and respect the rights, safety and dignity of everyone.
Minister of Home Affairs Leon Schreiber has said that his department is committed to enforcing SA’s immigration laws and restoring the rule of law.
“Our ongoing orderly and lawful deportations and repatriations, which have increased by 46% over the past two years, is clear evidence of this.”
Schreiber cautioned South Africans to “never engage in violence or take the law into their own hands”.
