As the covid-19 pandemic is still in full force in South Africa, the tight grip of regulations are being slowly released, but for Taxi Association, Santaco, the grip is still too tight.

Earlier on Sunday, Santaco president Philip Taaibosch, announced that taxis will operate at full capacity, while those travelling along long distance routes will be allowed to continue travelling without a permit. This announcement came after a scheduled meeting between Taaibosch and Transport minister, Fikile Mbalula, was cancelled.

Mbalula stated that, “Government has a responsibility to ensure that all measures in place as a response to the Covid-19 pandemic, are driven by the commitment to preserve human life and avoid an uncontrolled spread of the virus.  It is on that basis that a decision to allow uncontrolled inter-provincial travel and 100% loading capacity on taxis have to be subjected to the collective decision-making".

Mbalula further stated that, Taxi drivers and owners should reconsider this unlawful act, as these regulations are put in place and enforced by law, and anybody who disregard the law will be dealt with by law enforcement.

In response to the above mentioned statement made by the Minister, Taaibosch said: "No taxis will be impounded. And if any taxi is impounded, all taxis in SA will come to a halt until all taxis are released".

“When two elephants fight, it is the grass that suffers,” citizens relying on Taxi transport is being heavily affected by this, a spike in transport fairs, strikes and reckless protests.

Citizens can’t get to or from work, how will this affect children using taxis to and from school?  With Covid-19 numbers still rising daily, how reasonable are these demands, made by Santaco?

Since the start of the lockdown and the implementation of the regulations, every industry took a knock financially, many industries are still fighting the effects of the lockdown. What makes the taxi industry so special?  What control does our government really have over the taxi industry for them to throw around demands like this?

In a few days and weeks the country will sit and see how this pans out, how this will affect their daily lives and routines.