The trade union federation says a full taxi load puts passengers’ lives at risk amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

Cosatu is threatening to go on strike over the decision.

Santaco says Cosatu is ignorant of its plight.

“Cosatu's remarks are a clear indication that Cosatu has been ignorant of what has been happening over a period of two months between the taxi industry and government. Contrary to what they believe that government gave in to the association's demand, the taxi industry has been equally fighting for the very same workers which Cosatu claims to represent,” said Santaco spokesperson, Thabisho Molelekwa.

“We are therefore baffled by their intention to strike, on the basis of the protection of workers...” he added.

Molelekwa added that speculation over whether government gave into the taxi industry's demands was “untrue and unfounded.”

“The issue around 100 percent loading capacity has been on the table between us and government for at least a month and a half, wherein principle the very same government was saying they are warming up to the idea but would only have to explore and look into various elements of the safety aspect of the 100 percent," Molelekwa said.

eNCA