Western Cape SANTACO pledges to address GBV in the taxi industry
SANTACO in the province and the Cape Crisis Committee have partnered to tackle gender-based violence, public safety, and social cohesion.
- 16 Days of Activism for No Violence against Women and Children
- South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO)
- Western Cape
Picture: © Alexey Stiop /123rf.com
CAPE TOWN - As the country wraps up the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence against Women and Children, the South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO) in the Western Cape has pledged to address GBV in the taxi industry.
SANTACO in the province and the Cape Crisis Committee have partnered to tackle GBV, public safety, and social cohesion.
There've been reports of alleged sexual and physical abuse of women in taxis and at taxi ranks.
The taxi industry is also not always viewed in a positive light, particularly when it comes to some of its members’ treatment of passengers and other road users.
SANTACO in the Western Cape said it wants to change all that by embarking on an ongoing awareness drive from 2025 to educate industry players about GBV.
The council's provincial vice chairperson, Gershwin Geyer, said more than 20,000 taxi drivers would also receive some training on how to treat commuters, especially women and children.
"We hear the stories, but the issues never get reported to us. I don't know if it's because women are maybe afraid to come forward. But that's why we want to get involved so that people can feel free that they can report these incidents.
Geyer said their campaign is aimed at fighting GBV daily.