Western Cape’s new leadership urged to put taxi operators first

The newly installed provincial executive committee of Western Cape SANTACO has been encouraged to improve conditions for taxi operators across the region.

This follows the recent elective conference held in Grabouw at Houw Hoek on the 07-09 April, where Besuthu Ndungane was elected unopposed as the new provincial chairperson. 

Much of this stability is attributed to the outgoing chairperson, Mandla Hermanus, who fostered unity after his election in 2021.

Delegates at the conference praised Hermanus’s leadership style for bringing consistency and cohesion to the industry. His administration is credited with efforts to combat vehicle impoundments and reduce taxi-related violence.

Despite these achievements, Hermanus’s exclusion from the new provincial leadership surprised many in both the industry and business sectors, as he isn’t part of the new executive committee. 

One delegate remarked, “We hoped the delegates would at least include him in the new executive for deployment in the national office, given his leadership skills and contributions to the Western Cape taxi industry.” Another added, “The outgoing executive deserves thanks for their good work from start to finish.”

SANTACO Secretary General Godfrey Qumbu reminded the newly elected representatives to stay focused on guiding the industry toward its business goals, stating, “We are in the taxi industry to make money – nothing else.”

Kurt Hendricks, Western Cape Department of Mobility official praised the conduct of the leadership and delegates at the conference, noting that an unopposed leader was chosen for the first time. He saw this as evidence of professionalism and growing democracy within the taxi industry, and urged provincial leaders to promote unity, emphasizing, “Without unity, there can be no progress.”

Taxi industry veteran Junaid Petersen advised chairperson Ndungane and his executive team not to forget why they were elected, encouraging them to serve the regions and avoid personal gain. 

Other delegates echoed this  sentiment, calling for more projects that benefit ordinary operators and a closer working relationship with government. “Don’t run away from the government; it has projects we can benefit from,” said one delegate. He also urged the new leadership to reach out for support when facing challenges and to take steps to prevent taxi violence and loss of life in the industry.