The South African Police Service (SAPS) has called on the country’s taxi industry to reject any attempts to destabilise South Africa or disrupt economic activity ahead of a planned nationwide protest against undocumented immigration on June 30.

Acting National Commissioner Lieutenant-General Puleng Dimpane made the appeal during high-level engagements with South African National Taxi Council (Santaco) president Abner Tsebe and his leadership team. The meeting was prompted by the upcoming march demanding that undocumented foreigners leave the country.

Highlighting the massive influence of the taxi industry, Dimpane urged operators to stand firmly with law enforcement and the public.

“The taxi industry is the backbone of public transport in South Africa. Every day, millions of people rely on taxis to get to work, school, hospitals and places of business. It is for this reason that we are appealing to every taxi association, every taxi owner, every operator and every driver across the country to ensure that June 30 remains business as usual,” she said.

SAPS has specifically requested that taxi operators maintain normal transportation routes for all commuters; reject any calls to block national, provincial, or local roads; and to prevent criminal elements from “hijacking the industry for unlawful gains”.

The SAPS urged the taxi industry to actively oppose any form of passenger or driver intimidation.

Dimpane expressed optimism following the engagement, noting that Santaco's leadership responded positively to the security briefing.

"Our economy must continue to function. Our people must continue to go to work," Dimpane added, thanking Santaco for adding its voice to calls for peace and respect for the rule of law.

She assured citizens that nationwide security deployments are finalised. While the SAPS will protect the constitutional right to peaceful and lawful protest, a zero-tolerance policy will be enforced against lawlessness, she stressed.

Security forces remain on high alert to handle any attempts at infrastructure damage, public transport blockades, or violence.