By Mapaballo Borotho
- The taxi industry has warned that escalating anti-illegal immigration protests could negatively affect cross-border transport operations.
- SANTACO fears neighbouring countries may retaliate by restricting South African taxis from operating within their borders.
- The warning comes as tensions rise ahead of the 30 June deadline for undocumented foreign nationals to leave South Africa.
The South African taxi industry has raised concerns that its cross-border taxi operations could be affected in neighbouring African countries amid escalating tensions as the 30 June deadline looms.
This comes as anti-illegal immigration protests continue to intensify in parts of South Africa, with various organisations and political leaders calling for calm.
Undocumented foreign nationals have been given until 30 June 2026 to leave South Africa. Supporters of the March and March movement argue that undocumented migration contributes to the economic challenges facing the country.
The call for undocumented foreign nationals to leave the country has heightened tensions, with some neighbouring countries reportedly arranging transport for their citizens to return home.
At the same time, some Ghanaian nationals have reportedly staged protests in their home country, calling on South Africans living there to return home.
The South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO) national spokesperson, Mmatshikhidi Rebecca Phala, said the council fears that retaliation from countries such as Ghana could gain momentum across the continent, potentially resulting in South African taxis being prevented from entering neighbouring states.
“We definitely have that fear, which is why we warned that if these protests are not conducted lawfully and peacefully, they could hamper the work of the taxi industry that relies on moving people.
When you are moving people, you are moving work resources, which is why we urge government to work as hard as possible to ensure that by the time June 30 arrives, we do not have any action that could contribute to the reputational damage that has already been seen.
If not handled carefully, these demonstrations could very well have a ripple effect,” said Phala.
However, the March and March says its campaign cannot be halted due to fears of retaliation.
In 2019, the Zimbabwe Cross Border Transport Association reportedly threatened to prevent South African truck drivers from entering Zimbabwe in response to violent protests targeting foreign truck drivers employed in South Africa.
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