No immediate taxi fare increases as Santaco backs fuel levy cut

The South African National Taxi Council (Santaco) has welcomed the government's temporary fuel levy relief, assuring commuters there will be no immediate fuel-related fare increases while the industry engages with the government on long-term solutions.

Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana announced a reduction in the General Fuel Levy of R1.50/l for petrol and R3/l for diesel from 4 November to 1 December.

From 2 December to 5 January, the relief will be reduced to R1/l for petrol and R1.50/l for diesel.

Santaco spokesperson Rebecca Phala said the intervention was a welcome step towards easing the financial pressure on both taxi operators and commuters.

"The taxi industry remains particularly vulnerable to rising fuel prices, given the significant role fuel plays in daily operating costs and the provision of affordable public transport to millions of commuters."

Santaco said it recognised the need to protect commuters from additional financial strain while ensuring that operators could continue to provide reliable and accessible public transport.

The council assured commuters there would be no immediate fuel-related fare increases while engagements with the government continued.

However, Phala said temporary interventions alone could not provide a lasting solution to the structural cost pressures facing the industry.

"The temporary nature of the relief, which is scheduled to conclude on 5 January 2027, underscores the need for continued engagement on measures that can sustainably cushion operators and commuters against volatile fuel prices."

Santaco said it would continue to engage with relevant government departments and other stakeholders on additional relief measures to ensure the industry's long-term sustainability.

The council said a viable taxi industry was essential to South Africa's public transport system and economic activity, with millions of people relying on minibus taxis to access work, education, healthcare, and other essential services.

Santaco president Motlhabane Abnar Tsebe called on industry structures to communicate responsibly with operators and commuters while discussions with the government continued.

"We call on all industry structures to communicate responsibly with operators and commuters as these engagements continue. Santaco remains committed to constructive dialogue with the government in pursuit of practical, sustainable solutions that protect the interests of both taxi operators and the travelling public."

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