Welcome to SANTACO
the South African National Taxi Council
SANTACO is the national representative body of the taxi industry in South Africa. Established in 2001, we are committed to:
Professionalising the industry
Promoting safety & compliance
Empowering operators & communities
Driving innovation & sustainability
We are building a future where the taxi industry is a cornerstone of public transport and a beacon of economic empowerment.
300 k
Number of members
200 k
Number of Operaters Approx
350 k
Number of Vehicles: Minibus taxis (Excludes other modes and includes unlicensed)
Our Mission
SANTACO’s mission is rooted in transforming the taxi industry into a reliable, efficient, and formalised component of South Africa’s mobility network. By prioritising safety, modernisation, and economic empowerment, SANTACO seeks to uplift its members and provide commuters with high-quality transport services. Through strategic partnerships, innovation, and advocacy for fair subsidies, the organisation aims to build a sustainable industry that serves operators, commuters, and the broader economy.
This mission highlights the core purpose and actions of SANTACO:
SANTACO sees itself as the engine of change for the taxi industry. This involves advocacy for policy changes, internal reforms (like training and compliance), and spearheading development projects (such as fleet renewal programs or station upgrades).
Echoing the vision, the mission emphasises sustainability (likely economic and operational) and empowerment (both of the industry’s position in transport, and of the individuals within the industry through skills and economic opportunities).
The mission underlines that the taxi industry under SANTACO’s guidance should not remain mono-dimensional. It should expand its footprint into related domains of transportation (for example, feeder services to rail, participation in Bus Rapid Transit operations, or providing last-mile connectivity solutions). It also implies that the industry should harness new business models and partnerships, which could involve participating in infrastructure projects, technology platforms, value chain, and so on.
Our Values
Professionalism
We uphold the highest standards of organisation, accountability, and professional conduct within the taxi industry.
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Enforce codes of conduct and continuous skills development.
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Promote discipline, respect, and commitment among all stakeholders.
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Maintain robust governance structures and performance accountability mechanisms.
Our History
SANTACO’s values serve as the foundation of its identity, guiding its actions, decisions, and relationships across the public transport sector. These values reflect our commitment to professionalism, safety, empowerment, inclusive representation, and broader economic participation. They define not only what we stand for, but also how we operate — ensuring that our members, partners, and commuters experience a transport industry that is principled, progressive, and people-centred.
Each value is supported by practical actions and a shared culture that drives our mission forward:
Empowerment
We are committed to enhancing economic opportunities for our members and employees across the transport value chain.
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Facilitate access to finance, training, and business development support.
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Foster a culture of self-reliance and growth through opportunity.
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Support inclusive participation in enterprise development and industry transformation.
Safety
We are dedicated to ensuring safe, reliable, and secure transport for all commuters and operators.
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Run driver training programs, vehicle inspections, and safety awareness campaigns.
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Enforce compliance with national safety standards and promote best practices.
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Cultivate a safety-first mindset throughout the industry.
Involvement
We are committed to expanding the taxi industry’s role and presence in the broader economy through active participation.
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Promote innovation and diversification beyond traditional operations.
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Encourage participation in logistics, infrastructure, and technology sectors.
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Drive member-owned ventures and partnerships.
Representation & Commitment
We advocate for our members’ interests with integrity, ensuring every voice is heard and our mission upheld.
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Engage stakeholders across all levels and platforms.
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Build transparent, democratic structures that support collective decision-making.
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Lead with unity, purpose, and accountability.
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2001
Formation of SANTACO
Following a government led National Task Team (NTTT) process, which facilitated the converges of all taxi formations into a national conference, the South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO) was formed in Durban. The 1st democratic leadership was elected 11th September 2001.
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2005
Officiation of SANTACO Constitution
The National leadership of SANTACO signed it's organization's governing law which is the SANTACO constitution.
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2010
Hlokomela Road Safety Campaign Launch
On November 10th, 2010, SANTACO launched it's road safety campaign called Hlokomela to complement government's Arrive Alive campaign and drive an awareness of road safety and oversee training for the taxi industry.
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2015
Formation of SANTACO Women's Desk
In July 2015 SANTACO launched the Women's Desk to cater for the needs of all women in the taxi industry.
2020
SANTACO Participated in historic
National Taxi Lekgotla
SANTACO took part in National Taxi Lekgotla hosted by the Department of Transport which resolved for SANTACO to be the apex body of the taxi industry in October. The Lekgotla resulted in the formation of the Joint Taxi Task Team (JTTT). October 2020
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2024
SANTACO hosts inaugural policy conference
For the fist time in the history of the taxi industry, SANTACO convened a policy conference where a delegation of all provinces, structures from modes, meter taxis, ehailing, cross border and scholar transport. May 2024