This meeting between Fikile Mbalula and Santaco was prompted by recent events which include protests by Santaco taxi members over the government's R1 billion relief funding to the industry. This has also led to the organisation hiking minibus taxi fares by 10% and 20% across the country, including in the Northern Cape and North West. In the Free State these travel increases are only expected in December. Santaco is alleged to have launched a R3.5bn fund to cushion the blow of the Covid-19 pandemic on the industry, which transports 16.5 million passengers daily. Mbalula recently cautioned against a decision taken by Santaco to load taxis at 100% capacity as opposed to 70%, as proposed by the government, to stem the spread of Covid-19. 

Santaco claims the government's R1 billion relief funding, which allegedly translates to R5 000 per taxi, is a slap in the face. The council released a statement on Twitter, indicating how its fare hike will affect commuters, effective from Wednesday. Provinces such as KwaZulu-Natal will see a 20% increase, the Eastern Cape 10%, Gauteng commuters will have to pay R7 more for local distances while R50 will be added for those travelling long distances. 

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