AS thousands of commuters make their way back to Gauteng and other economic hubs after the festive season, the South African National Taxi Council (Santaco) has renewed its call for road safety and cooperation among motorists, commuters and law-enforcement agencies.
The call forms part of Santaco's Hlokomela Road Safety Campaign launched on 30 November 2025 and running through the high-volume return-travel period until mid-January.
"Santaco remains committed to ensuring commuters are transported in roadworthy vehicles and arrive at their destinations safely. Road safety can only be achieved through cooperation between drivers, operators, commuters and law-enforcement authorities," said national spokeswoman Mmatshikhidi Rebecca Phala.
Phala said the organisation will continue rolling out road-safety activations across major routes and provinces, working closely with traffic officials to promote compliance, driver awareness and responsible road use.
Long-distance taxi drivers, particularly those operating routes to and from provinces such as Eastern Cape and those involved in cross-border travel, were urged to prioritise adequate rest.
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"Fatigue and distracted driving remain among the leading causes of road accidents. Taxi owners are encouraged to make use of reliever drivers to reduce exhaustion and improve safety during peak travel periods," Phala said.
Commuters were also encouraged to take responsibility for their own safety by planning their trips in advance, travelling with reasonable luggage loads and exercising patience during busy travel times.
"In the interest of safety, commuters should make use of accredited public transport, including registered taxis operating within regulated frameworks," Phala said
She stressed that road safety is a shared responsibility and called on all road users to remain vigilant.
"Through continued cooperation, mutual respect and compliance with the law, we can reduce accidents and save lives on South Africa's roads," she said.
Santaco said it would continue engaging with stakeholders and authorities until traffic volumes subside, urging all road users to remain cautious as the festive return-travel period reaches its peak.
