Newly elected National Leadership of SANTACO
Back from left: Mr. Mazwe Nkonki (Training Officer) Mr. Nadeem Abdurahman (Treasurer), Mr. Kenny Masemola (Public Relations Officer), Mr. Shakes Mayekani (Deputy Secretary General) Front from left: Mr. Daki Qumbu (Secretary General), Mr. Boy Zondi (1st Deputy President), Mr. Abnar Tsebe (President), Mr. Fanyana Sibanyoni (2nd Deputy President) and Ms. Lungiswa Mabija (National Chairperson) photo supplied
The South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO) has successfully concluded its 2026 National Elective Conference with a renewed mandate to strengthen unity within the taxi industry and advance the
participation of women and young people in the sector.
Held from 25–26 May 2026 at the Birchwood Hotel & Conference Centre under the theme “25 Years of Unity: Building the Taxi Industry Together”, the conference brought together delegates from across the country to reflect on the organisation’s journey, assess progress made over the past 25 years, and elect leadership that will guide the next phase of transformation and growth within the industry.
The conference saw Ms. Duduzekile Maphumulo re-elected as National Chairperson of SANTACO Women, while Mr. Motlhabane Abnar Tsebe was re-elected as President of SANTACO.
New SANTACO Women National Leadership:
1. Chairperson – Ms. Duduzekile Maphumulo
2. Deputy Chairperson – Ms. Sylvia Machethe
3. Secretary – Ms. Sina Mongalo
4. Deputy Secretary – Ms. Iris Memani
5. Treasurer – Ms. Nophelo Soqasha
6. Public Relations Officer – Ms. Sihle Nkosi
7. National Organiser – Ms. Thandeka Luthuli
8. Training Officer – Ms. Rose Sedumedi
9. National Coordinator – Ms. Dimakatso Manoto
New SANTACO Mainstream Leadership:
1. President – Mr. Motlhabane Abnar Tsebe
2. 1st Deputy President – Mr. Boy Zondo
3. 2nd Deputy President – Mr. Fanyana Sibanyoni
4. Secretary General – Mr. Daki Qumbu
5. Deputy Secretary General – Mr. Shakes Mayekani
6. National Chairperson – Ms. Lungiswa Mabija
7. Treasurer General – Mr. Nadeem Abdurahman
8. Public Relations Officer – Mr. Kenny Masemola
9. Training Officer – Mr. Mazwe Nkonki
Speaking after her re-election, SANTACO Women National Chairperson Ms. Duduzekile Maphumulo thanked delegates for the confidence they had shown in the newly elected leadership and commended the electoral committee for overseeing a successful and orderly conference.
“We would like to thank all delegates from across the country for the trust they have placed in us and commend the electoral committee for conducting a transparent, disciplined and cordial process.
Our responsibility now is to continue building a stronger platform for women in the taxi industry while ensuring that young people see the sector as a space of opportunity, leadership and economic participation,” said Maphumulo.
SANTACO President Mr. Motlhabane Abnar Tsebe described the conference as a major milestone for the unity and future direction of the taxi industry.
“This conference has demonstrated that the taxi industry remains united and focused on the future.
We are on a trajectory to strengthen unity across all structures while continuing with the formalisation of the industry to ensure employees are properly employed in line with labour legislation and industry standards,” said Tsebe.
He added that SANTACO would continue pursuing new economic opportunities aimed at modernising and diversifying the industry.
“The industry must position itself to benefit from emerging economic opportunities.
This includes automated fare collection systems, in-transit advertising, in-transit Wi-Fiservices, fuel supply initiatives and the establishment of spare shops that will benefit operators and commuters alike.”
Tsebe further assured members of the public that SANTACO remains committed to improving service delivery and ensuring stability within the sector.
“We want South Africans to know that SANTACO is working tirelessly to promote peace and stability within the industry while ensuring commuters receive a reliable and dignified transport service.
There is continued training that still needs to be done for taxi drivers, and we will intensify the implementation of the Hlokomela Road Safety Campaign to strengthen road safety and responsible driving across the country.”
As SANTACO marks 25 years since its formation, the organisation has reaffirmed its commitment to building a united, inclusive and economically sustainable taxi industry that continues to play a central role in South Africa’s public transport system and broader economy.
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