JOHANNESBURG - The South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO) has cautioned against any disruptions to the sector ahead of the planned 30 June demonstration.
This comes as anti-immigration organisers prepare to take to the streets in protest over undocumented migrants in the country.
Addressing the media on Wednesday night, Santaco president Motlhabane Tsebe warned against action that may create uncertainty, discourage travel, disrupt transport services, or project instability.
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While he recognises the Constitutional right to protest, Tsebe said their concern is action that may result in unlawful conduct that will interfere with transport operations or trample on the rights of millions of South Africans who will continue to require transportation services during any protest action.
“Many South Africans will still need to travel to work, attend schools, access healthcare facilities, open businesses, and fulfil their daily responsibilities. Their right and freedom of movement must be protected and always respected.”
He warned that disruptions to the movement of people and goods could have far-reaching consequences for livelihoods, businesses and the broader economy.
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According to Tsebe, such consequences may negatively affect tourism, trade, regional cooperation, investor confidence and broader economic growth.
He said this will ultimately impact ordinary South Africans, transport operators, small businesses and communities whose livelihoods depend on a stable and functioning economy.