The Gauteng taxi industry, represented by SANTACO Gauteng and the Gauteng National Taxi Alliance, has warned that operations across the province could be shut down if Premier Panyaza Lesufi does not resolve a dispute with Roads and Transport MEC Kedibone Diale-Tlabela within seven days.

The core issue is a process complaint, with the industry alleging that the MEC bypassed elected leadership by engaging directly with individual taxi associations.

SANTACO Gauteng spokesperson Graham Fritz stated that the relationship with the MEC had been constructive until she began meeting with associations without involving the industry's elected structures.

The taxi associations claim their requests for meetings with the MEC on 29 June and with the premier on 10 July went unanswered, leading to a threat of a protest march to deliver grievances to the premier.MEC Diale-Tlabela disputes the claim of a collapsed relationship, stating she is available for meetings but insists on continuing government work.

The industry emphasizes the critical role of taxis in transporting over 60% of Gauteng's workforce daily, highlighting the potential economic impact of a province-wide shutdown.

This dispute follows previous tensions, including a two-day strike in Ekurhuleni last year and threats of rank closures in 2025 due to taxi-related violence.