The South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO) has moved to dismiss what it calls false and misleading claims circulating on social media.

According to the messages, the council had allegedly instructed South Africans not to use their private vehicles and instead travel with their families.

Several reports on social media stated that motorists would not be allowed to carry more than one passenger, and that there would be violent repercussions if taxi drivers caught drivers disobeying this instruction.

In a statement, SANTACO, however, stressed it has never issued such an instruction and has never sought to impose any mode of transport on the public. The council warned that individuals spreading such claims are not, and have never been, authorised to speak on its behalf.

SANTACO said it “strongly condemns these acts in the strongest terms,” adding that like all other paid-for transport services, taxi operations remain voluntary and are simply one of the options available to commuters.

The council also called on journalists and media houses to verify information before publishing, saying unverified reports mislead the public and erode trust in the taxi industry.

SANTACO emphasised that only law enforcement authorities have the legal mandate to enforce transport regulations in South Africa. Members of the public who experience harassment or unlawful enforcement are urged to report such incidents directly to the police.

The taxi body concluded by reaffirming its commitment to serving South Africans “with integrity and transparency.”