Acting National Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane, appealed to the taxi industry on Wednesday, urging them to ensure peaceful demonstrations on June 30. The police's call comes amid ongoing demands for undocumented foreign nationals to leave South Africa. These demands form the basis of the upcoming protest, which is in line with ongoing calls for undocumented foreigners to leave South Africa. Lieutenant General Dimpane stated, "We know that the overwhelming majority of taxi operators are law-abiding citizens who work hard every day to provide an essential service. We therefore urge them not to allow themselves to be drawn into activities that could place lives at risk or undermine the stability of the country."
Lieutenant General Dimpane added, "We are encouraged by the positive response we received from SANTACO leadership today and by their commitment to engage their structures throughout the country." She emphasized the industry's role, saying, "We believe the taxi industry has an important role to play in ensuring that calm prevails and that communities reject calls for violence and disorder. We will protect the constitutional rights of those who wish to protest peacefully and lawfully." This commitment shows the police's role in facilitating legitimate expressions of dissent within the bounds of the law. Dimpane concluded, "We therefore call upon every taxi owner, every driver, every queue marshal, every association leader and every commuter to join us in ensuring that 30 June is remembered as a day of peace, responsibility and stability."
Police Prepare for Demonstrations
The South African Police Service (SAPS) is working in conjunction with other law enforcement agencies and security structures to prepare for the planned demonstrations scheduled for June 30. Authorities are specifically focusing on ensuring public safety and order during the events. This full preparation involves coordination across various units to manage potential scenarios and maintain stability.
The upcoming protest has been organized by the civic movement March and March, alongside various other interest groups. Police have issued a clear warning regarding potential disruptions. Any attempts to block roads, intimidate commuters, or damage infrastructure will be met with immediate and decisive action. Authorities also stated that disrupting public transport networks or engaging in violence will not be tolerated. The police emphasized that such actions would be dealt with swiftly and decisively, reinforcing their commitment to upholding the rule of law.
Appeal to Taxi Industry
Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane issued an appeal for the taxi industry to ensure that June 30, 2026, proceeds as a normal day. Speaking after an engagement with the South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO) in Pretoria, Lieutenant General Dimpane urged continued operations. Her remarks followed direct discussions with SANTACO leadership, noting the importance of their cooperation. "We have appealed to them to keep transporting passengers. We have appealed to them to keep routes open. We appeal to them to reject any calls to block roads, intimidate commuters or disrupt public life," she stated.
Lieutenant General Dimpane emphasized the importance of maintaining regular service, adding, "It is for this reason, that we are appealing to every taxi association, every taxi owner, every operator and every driver across the country to ensure that 30 June remains business as usual." She also confirmed that police had requested SANTACO to advocate for peace. "We have also requested SANTACO to add its powerful voice to the growing call for peace, restraint and respect for the rule of law," Dimpane said, further noting, "We have appealed to the leadership of SANTACO to send a clear message throughout the taxi industry that there must be no violence in the name of the taxi industry." The message she hoped to hear from the industry was clear: "No highway and road blockages. No intimidation. No violence. No destruction of property. No disruption of public transport."
Call for Peace and Order
The appeal from authorities includes a directive for taxi operators not to engage in actions such as blocking roads or intimidating passengers. This directive is a key part of the broader strategy to ensure public order during the planned demonstrations. The South African Police Service (SAPS) indicated that it will uphold the constitutional rights of individuals who choose to protest in a peaceful and lawful manner. This stance reinforces the police's commitment to facilitating legitimate expressions of dissent while preventing actions that could disrupt public order or safety. The police aim to ensure that while protest rights are protected, any unlawful activities are prevented, thereby safeguarding both democratic freedoms and public security.
