SANTACO mourns the death of taxi industry chairperson
Santaco chairperson Thami Moyo.
images: Facebook
by Kelebogile Matlou
The South African National Taxi Council (Santaco) has expressed profound grief and sorrow over the death of Gauteng National Taxi Alliance (GNTA) chairperson Thami Moyo, who was killed down in Soweto on Thursday morning.
Moyo, 58, was fatally murdered while driving down the Soweto Highway in Diepkloof after being blocked by suspects in two cars who then opened fire. Gauteng police confirmed that he died at the scene, and the motivation for the attack is unknown, though investigators assume it may be related to continuing taxi violence.
Santaco described Moyo’s death as a major blow to the industry, describing him as a unifier and visionary leader dedicated to the taxi sector stability and togetherness.
Santaco chairperson Thami Moyo’s car at the scene where he was gunned down in Soweto.
Santaco Gauteng chairperson Midday Mali said the industry has lost a comrade and guiding voice, adding that Moyo’s absence creates a void in efforts to steer the sector toward a more sustainable and dignified future. Santaco President Motlhabane Abnar Tsebe stated that Moyo’s passing was a loss not only for Gauteng, but for the taxi sector as a whole, emphasizing his role in promoting unity and prosperity.
The organization has encouraged law authorities to take action immediately, stressing that the taxi sector cannot be allowed to become a refuge for illicit conduct. The Department of Transport expressed its condolences, with Minister Barbara Creecy speaking with Acting Minister of Police, Professor Firoz Cachalia, who said a special investigation team has been formed to investigate the issue.
Moyo’s murder has sent shockwaves through the taxi industry, reigniting pleas for peace and stability in an industry long troubled by violence and territorial disputes.
