TOP leaders in the taxi industry have made it clear they do not want chaos or fake news.
They're also firmly against any further bloodshed on Mzansi's busy streets.
On Tuesday, 19 August, the South African National Taxi Council (Santaco) held a media briefing in Joburg to set the record straight on all the drama in Mzansi's public transport, from e-hailing tensions to violent clashes.
This follows the KZN Department of Transport's ban on forcing passengers to abandon private cars for taxis, labelling such actions as lawless and violent.
Some people even claimed Santaco was the one telling motorists not to carry more than one passenger.
Santaco president Motlhabane Aber Tsebe said people must stop the lies.
"Santaco never said that there should be one passenger in a vehicle. We are Africans with families. Everyone should have the freedom to travel how they choose," he said.
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Tsebe had heavy words for the family of the 27-year-old Siyanda Mvelase, who was brutally murdered last week.
"We are hurting too. Santaco and our partners will help bring your loved one home from Gauteng to KZN, including the burial in partnership with Cebolethu burial services," he said.
He slammed down any suggestion they're fueling the violence.
Santaco Gauteng chairman Midday Mali said there are criminals claiming they work for the taxi council.
"If criminals say they act for Santaco, they are liars. Nobody will use our name to commit crime. We are working with the police and internal structures to bring those criminals to book."
The transport industry bosses agreed that there's teamwork and respect behind the scenes, not war.
Sibongiseni Shange from the E-hailing Association said: "We've joined hands with Santaco. We got training, we're playing by the rules, and we mourn the family's loss, too. What happened at Maponya Mall shames the whole industry."
Santaco urges South Africans to remain calm and avoid sharing harmful rumours, especially on social media.
The council emphasises sticking to facts, as panic and falsehoods only cause more harm.
