The South African National Taxi Council has emerged as more than just a transport partner in the Kasi2Kasi campaign — it is positioning the minibus taxi industry as a vital force in South Africa’s tourism economy.
As the Kasi2Kasi journey continues across townships and villages from Soweto to QwaQwa and Durban, SANTACO has demonstrated how mobility, culture and tourism are deeply interconnected in everyday South African life.
Taxi Industry at the Heart of South African Travel
Established in 2001, SANTACO serves as the official representative body for South Africa’s minibus taxi industry, unifying operators, owners and drivers under a national structure aimed at formalising and professionalising the sector.
For decades, taxis have quietly shaped how South Africans experience movement, connection and community.
Whether transporting commuters to work, families to weddings, mourners to funerals or travellers during holidays, the taxi industry has long functioned as the country’s informal tourism backbone.
Speaking during the Kasi2Kasi campaign, CEO of Travel and Tourism Division of SANTACO, Eugene Ngoetjana explained that taxi operators have effectively served as local tourism guides for years — often without formal recognition.
“When people get lost, they ask taxi drivers for directions because taxi operators know the routes better than anyone,” he said.
“The taxi industry has been the heartbeat of the South African economy for years.”
Kasi2Kasi Campaign Bridges Tourism and Mobility
The Kasi2Kasi initiative — led by South African Township and Village Tourism Organisation alongside Sho’t Left, Siyameng Consultants and Jaecoo South Africa — is focused on showcasing authentic township and village tourism experiences.
SANTACO’s involvement signals a broader vision: integrating the taxi industry into South Africa’s formal tourism value chain.
The campaign route through Gauteng, the Free State and KwaZulu-Natal highlights:
- Township culture and heritage
- Rural tourism destinations
- Community-owned tourism businesses
- Local storytelling and mobility networks
SANTACO’s Vision for Tourism
Through its dedicated Travel and Tourism Desk, SANTACO is working to reposition taxis as a uniquely South African tourism asset.
The organisation’s tourism strategy focuses on:
Professionalisation
Training taxi industry employees as accredited tourism service providers, including safety and emergency support personnel.
Digital Integration
Developing platforms such as AfriTravel to connect transport, accommodation, local experiences and payment systems.
Safety and Reliability
Strengthening vehicle roadworthiness and commuter confidence through initiatives like the Hlokomela campaign.
Cultural Tourism
Promoting authentic township and village experiences that international and domestic travellers cannot easily access through conventional tourism systems.
Industry stakeholders say this could significantly reshape how visitors experience South Africa.
Industry Faces Economic Pressures
SANTACO’s tourism ambitions also come at a time when the taxi sector faces mounting economic challenges.
In May 2026, the organisation confirmed taxi fare increases ranging between R2 and R30 due to rising fuel costs affecting both local and long-distance travel.
Despite these pressures, the industry continues to play a critical role in transporting millions of South Africans daily — making it one of the country’s most influential economic sectors.
Tourism Beyond Traditional Destinations
The Kasi2Kasi campaign reflects a growing shift in tourism thinking.
Rather than focusing only on luxury hotels and established attractions, the initiative highlights:
- Township lifestyles
- Community hospitality
- Local transport culture
- Indigenous experiences
Tourism experts say visitors increasingly seek authentic, immersive experiences — an area where township and village tourism offers enormous untapped potential.
Reframing the Taxi Industry
For many South Africans, taxis are more than transport. They are part of the social fabric of daily life.
Ngoetjana described the industry as the “veins” that move experiences across communities — carrying people through moments of celebration, grief, work and leisure.
That perspective is now becoming part of South Africa’s evolving tourism narrative.
Final Word
SANTACO’s role in the Kasi2Kasi campaign highlights a powerful idea: tourism is not only about destinations, but also about the journeys and people that connect them.
By bringing the taxi industry into the tourism conversation, the campaign is helping build a more inclusive, community-driven travel economy — one rooted in local knowledge, mobility and cultural identity.
Follow the campaign online using:
#Jaecoo #SATOVITO #ShotLeft #SANTACO #Kasi2Kasi #SiyamengConsultants #VisitFreeState #DiscoverFreeState #JaecooShotLeft
