The South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO) and the National Taxi Alliance (NTA) extend their condolences on the passing of Khorommbi Thomas Tshisikwawe Muofhe, the first democratically elected President of SANTACO, marking a significant loss to the taxi industry. Muofhe, fondly known as Tom, passed away on November 14th, 2025.
Muofhe’s enduring contributions to the taxi sector began in Nzhelele, where he entered the industry and soon gained recognition for his exemplary leadership. He played a pivotal role as one of the founding members and unifiers of taxi associations within what is now the Vhembe region of Limpopo province.
At that time, all eighteen taxi associations operating in the Far North came together under the Venda Taxi Association, with Muofhe significantly involved in the formation and subsequent consolidation of a cohesive regional structure.
He later served as Chairperson of the Venda Taxi Association in Ha Tshivhase, effectively guiding operators through periods of considerable growth and organizational development.
His influence extended beyond local boundaries when he assumed a senior position within the South African Black Taxi Association (SABTA). Through these roles, Muofhe advanced to lead the broader taxi structures across the Northern Province, consistently advocating for operator unity and the promotion of industry interests.
Muofhe also became the inaugural Chairperson of the current Vhembe District Taxi Council. When Provincial Taxi Councils were implemented nationwide, he was instrumental in organizing consultative forums throughout the then Northern Province (now Limpopo), preparing stakeholders for the transition to a unified provincial body.
He further served as the first Chairperson of the Southern
African Taxi Council (SATACO) Northern Province chapter,
facilitating the shift from multiple mother bodies to a single entity.
Upon SATACO’s transformation into the South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO)—the government’s sole recognized taxi industry mother body—Muofhe was elected its first President during the inaugural conference in Durban in September 2001.
Additionally, Muofhe contributed to establishing SANTACO’s commercial division, formerly SANTrading and now Taxichoice, collaborating with industry leaders such as James Chapman, Philip Taaibosch, and the late Jotham Msibi.
SANTACO President Abnar Tsebe paid tribute to Muofhe, stating: “As we mourn former President Muofhe, we also honour the path he carved for all of us. His unwavering commitment to unity laid the foundation for the democratic taxi industry we steer today.
It is from his example that we continue to call our members to stand together for stability, for progress, and for the dignity of our industry. His legacy reminds us that unity is not just an ideal, but a responsibility we must uphold every day.” Tsebe remembered.
Theo Malele, NTA Spokesperson, echoed with Tsebe’s sentiments, noting, “The industry has lost a pioneer.” Muofhe was laid to rest in his hometown, Ha Tshivhase, Limpopo.
Although Muofhe was unceremoniously removed from the taxi industry to make way for Jabulani Mthembu, his contributions are still remembered.
