SANTACO has called for lawful immigration reform while cautioning against protest actions that could disrupt public transport.
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The South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO) has called for lawful immigration reform while cautioning against protest actions that could disrupt public transport, economic activity and regional trade.
The taxi industry body issued the warning amid growing public debate around illegal immigration and planned demonstrations by groups calling for the removal of undocumented foreign nationals from South Africa.
In a statement, SANTACO said it supports the principle that migration into South Africa should take place through legal channels and in line with the country’s immigration laws and regulations.
The organisation stressed that effective border management, proper documentation and compliance with legal processes are essential for maintaining confidence in the country's immigration system.
"As a law-abiding organisation representing one of the country's largest public transport sectors, SANTACO supports the principle that all migration into South Africa should take place through lawful channels and in accordance with the country's immigration laws and regulations," the council said.
While acknowledging that many South Africans have strong views on illegal immigration, SANTACO said citizens have a constitutional right to express their concerns and advocate for policy changes. However, it warned that calls for stricter immigration enforcement should be pursued through peaceful and lawful means.
The council expressed concern over suggestions that demonstrations could interfere with transport operations, limit the movement of people or disrupt economic activity.
According to SANTACO, South Africa's transport sector plays a vital role in supporting economic participation by connecting workers to employment opportunities, learners to educational institutions, patients to healthcare services and businesses to consumers.
The organisation warned that any unlawful disruption to transport systems could have far-reaching consequences for livelihoods, productivity and investor confidence.
"The taxi industry's business is the movement of people," SANTACO said.
Every day, millions of commuters depend on minibus taxis to access work, education and essential services across the country. Beyond South Africa's borders, the industry also facilitates cross-border travel and trade throughout the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region.
SANTACO said its members transport passengers, traders, tourists, workers and families who contribute to economic activity across Southern Africa, making stability within the transport sector critical for both local and regional economies.
The council cautioned that actions creating uncertainty or discouraging travel could negatively affect tourism, trade, regional integration and broader economic growth.
It added that ordinary South Africans, transport operators and small businesses would likely bear the brunt of any disruptions.
SANTACO urged all stakeholders involved in demonstrations or advocacy campaigns to operate within the confines of the law and to respect the rights, safety and dignity of all people.
The organisation said South Africa's challenges can only be addressed through constructive dialogue, effective governance and the consistent enforcement of existing legislation.
The council also called on government to strengthen border management systems, improve immigration administration and ensure immigration laws are applied fairly and consistently.
At the same time, it said individuals entering, living, working or conducting business in South Africa should do so in full compliance with the country's laws.
SANTACO maintained that South Africa's future prosperity depends on economic stability, social cohesion, regional cooperation and the uninterrupted movement of people and goods.
The organisation said it remains committed to supporting initiatives that uphold the rule of law while protecting the transport sector's contribution to economic development and the broader interests of the country.