Tuesday, October 7, 2025, will go down in history as a landmark day for the taxi industry in Mpumalanga. This significant milestone was marked by a groundbreaking deal between Santaco South Africa and Absa Bank South Africa, aimed at easing the financial burdens faced by taxi operators across the province.

Provincial Chairman and Deputy President of Santaco South Africa, Mr FJ Sibanyoni, announced that a special agreement has been signed that will drastically reduce the monthly instalments for the purchase of brand-new Toyota Quantums. Under this deal, taxi operators will now pay a flat rate of R12,000 per month, inclusive of insurance and tracker fees—a substantial reduction from previous payments, which sometimes soared as high as R18,000 per month.

This initiative comes as a relief to many taxi owners who have been struggling to keep their vehicles on the road. The high monthly instalments had led to numerous instances where banks repossessed taxis due to the inability of operators to meet their payment obligations, causing financial distress among local drivers and entrepreneurs.

Speaking to members at the Santaco offices in Middleburg, Mr Sibanyoni assured all eligible taxi operators that they should approach their nearest vehicle dealers with the required paperwork to take advantage of this new deal. He emphasised that this initiative is designed to support the industry, promote sustainability, and enable taxi owners to expand their businesses without the crippling financial strain that previously plagued them.

He also urged taxi operators facing difficulties to seek assistance from their local association leadership, who are ready to provide guidance and support through the process.

This development is seen as a significant step forward in empowering Mpumalanga’s taxi industry and fostering economic growth within the province. It demonstrates a commitment by industry stakeholders and financial institutions to work together in building a resilient and prosperous transport sector.

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