The national treasurer of the South African National Taxi Council (Santaco), Mr Tshimangadzo Mphigalale, has dismissed allegations that taxi operators are preventing people from hitchhiking or stopping motorists from giving lifts, including in Thohoyandou.
Mphigalale, who is also chairperson of the Mutale Taxi Association, said members seen at intersections and hitchhiking spots were not there to harass motorists or commuters, but to caution the public about the risks of accepting lifts from strangers.
"Despite challenges, the warmth and resilience of my community inspire me every day," he said. "Our members only advise the public to use safe, reliable transport that will get them to their destination safely, with their luggage secured. Even if passengers forget their bags in the taxi, it's easier to recover them because both the vehicles and drivers are registered and known," he explained.
He added that those who were preventing people from hitchhiking were not Santaco members but local nyaope users who loiter at taxi ranks and demand money from commuters in exchange for carrying their bags.
Addressing complaints about taxi drivers stationed near a well-known garage in Thohoyandou and allegedly blocking passengers from hitchhiking to Louis Trichardt, Mphigalale urged the public to report such incidents to the nearest Santaco office or the police. "Santaco will take appropriate action, while law enforcement will also play its part," he said. "Our only concern is the safety of our people. It is our responsibility to ensure they reach their destinations without encountering problems."
Mphigalale also warned against the growing threat of human trafficking, saying many people had vanished after accepting lifts from unknown motorists.
Responding to further complaints that some taxi drivers insulted passengers who asked them to obey road rules, especially those who speed to maximise trips, Mphigalale urged commuters to report such drivers to their respective taxi associations.
"Don't be bullied by taxi drivers; you are their boss," he concluded.