CAPE TOWN – The South African Federation of Trade Unions (SAFTU) is calling on the government to intervene in what it calls rampant intimidation and harassment by the taxi industry against motorists.

This follows the suspension of the Rea Vaya bus service in Johannesburg on Monday after the South African National Taxi Council claimed the rollout of new buses occurred without proper consultation with the taxi industry.

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SAFTU’s Mogoshadi Maserumule has pointed to a recent incident, where SANTACO leaders in Mpumalanga warned that motorists who pick up hitchhikers would be fined R2500.

“This continued harassment not only endangers public safety but also infringes on the rights of all South Africans. We demand swift and decisive action to put an end to this unacceptable behaviour. The taxi industry has a well-documented history of aggressively attacking modes of transport. of alternative transport, such as e-haling services since its inception”.

EWN is still waiting for a response from SANTACO’s national leadership.