Inside SANTACO’s Power Showdown: Rebecca Phala Breaks Silence Ahead of Explosive 2‑Day Elective Conference

This morning, 25th May, the Vooka Breakfast Show broadcasted live from the Birchwood Hotel in Boksburg as SANTACO kicked off its highly anticipated National Elective Conference, running from the 25th to the 27th of May. In an exclusive sit‑down, national spokesperson Mmatshikidi Rebecca Phala unpacked the significance of this pivotal gathering, the leadership decisions ahead, and what the outcomes could mean for South Africa’s taxi industry at large.

Tracing SANTACO’s Roots and the Rise of Women in the Taxi Industry

Speaking to us during the live broadcast, Phala reflected on SANTACO’s roots, reminding listeners and viewers that the association was founded in 2001 in Durban as a direct response to a pressing need for unity and structure within the taxi industry. She described SANTACO as the “parent body” of South Africa’s taxi sector — a central force guiding, regulating, and advocating for operators nationwide. Phala also highlighted that the conference opened with the election of SANTACO Women, a structure that originally began as the Women’s Desk, underscoring the organisation’s commitment to elevating women’s leadership and strengthening their influence within the industry.

Fixing the Tax Puzzle: Why SANTACO Is Reshaping Its Business Model

Phala also addressed long‑standing public concerns around taxation within the taxi industry. She explained that criticism over whether operators were paying taxes correctly led SANTACO to participate in the National Taxi Lekgotla in 2020, where a major resolution was taken: to corporatize the industry. This shift, she noted, is already underway, with operators gradually moving from sole‑proprietor setups to formal cooperatives that allow for clearer financial structures and accountability. Phala emphasised that SANTACO itself does not receive government subsidies, meaning the taxes paid by operators fall under income tax — a system often complicated by the fact that many family‑owned taxis still operate through personal bank accounts.

Unpacking the Maponya Tragedy: SANTACO Responds to Violence Claims

Phala also confronted the ongoing violence associated with the taxi industry, referencing the recent tragedy at Maponya Mall where 24‑year‑old Mthokozisi lost his life. She stressed that SANTACO cannot confirm what truly happened, as none of their representatives were present, but noted that CCTV footage circulated on social media and is now in the hands of the police. What concerns her, she added, is that no civil society organisation or media house has followed up with authorities since those initial two weeks to ask about the status of the case. On the ground, SANTACO has observed a growing issue linked to what Johannesburg MMC for Transport Kenny Kunene refers to as “Amaphela” — individuals who purchase vehicles under e‑hailing platforms, switch off the apps, and then operate like taxi marshals. According to Phala, this behaviour is driven by saturation in the e‑hailing market, where supply far outweighs demand. She emphasised that the Maponya incident was an act of violence, and it is unfortunate that SANTACO is repeatedly positioned as the primary culprit despite no evidence proving such claims. She added that the young man was laid to rest with dignity through the support of SANTACO and Icebolethu. Phala closed with a firm reminder that the association belongs to South Africans and works for the benefit of South Africans — urging the public not to contribute to narratives that could ultimately destroy the very organisation that serves them.

Shesha, Growth and a New Era: SANTACO Calls for South Africans’ Support

Phala concluded by reflecting on how deeply the COVID‑19 pandemic reshaped the taxi industry and SANTACO’s internal dynamics. When new leadership stepped in during that turbulent period, the association faced intense public scrutiny, with many not realising that the incoming leaders had to confront the severe aftermath of the pandemic — including a drastic drop in passenger numbers, a major financial blow for an industry that receives no government subsidy and sustains itself independently. She emphasised that SANTACO does not limit itself to single partnerships, because the industry is vast, with more than 300 000 taxis operating nationwide. Looking ahead, Phala highlighted efforts to modernise and innovate, including the development of SANTACO’s own internal e‑hailing platform, Shesha, which is still a work in progress. She expressed hope that this week’s conference will bring forward practical solutions to long‑standing challenges, and urged South Africans to work with — not against — the association that serves them.