KwaZulu-Natal’s taxi industry generates more than R20 billion a year, transports over five million commuters daily, and supports more than 100,000 jobs, the province’s Transport MEC Siboniso Duma said on 27 October 2026. Duma highlighted the economic significance of the sector during an event marking the anniversary of the South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO).
“We gathered not only to celebrate the anniversary of this giant organisation but to reflect on the critical role SANTACO has played over the years in improving the quality of life of the people of this province and the country,” Duma said in remarks reported by IOL.
The KwaZulu-Natal taxi industry operates more than 25,000 taxis, with operators collectively spending almost R15 billion annually on fuel, over R10 billion on vehicles, and more than R150 million on tyres, according to the provincial Department of Transport.
Duma also congratulated the newly elected leadership of KZN SANTACO, which represents 246 taxi associations across the province. “We pause to congratulate the newly elected SANTACO-KZN leadership, representing 246 taxi associations across the province,” he said during a 2025 statement.
Nationally, the taxi industry transports roughly 15 million commuters daily and generates an estimated revenue between R60 billion and R100 billion a year, making it one of South Africa’s largest black-owned sectors. Minister of Transport Barbara Creecy said the industry remains vital to the country’s transport landscape but noted women’s representation remains low, with about 2% of workers and less than 3% ownership.
Efforts to support women in the taxi sector include financing initiatives by SANTACO, which have helped more than 4,300 female taxi owners operate over 5,600 taxis, generating more than 10,000 direct jobs.
These figures underscore the taxi industry’s critical role in socio-economic development and mobility across KwaZulu-Natal and South Africa as a whole. While the R20 billion figure for KwaZulu-Natal aligns broadly with national estimates, specific daily commuter and job numbers for the province remain unverified independently beyond MEC Duma’s statements.
This report is based on statements from MEC Duma and official data from the KwaZulu-Natal Transport Department, with complementary national figures provided by government speeches and transport briefs. CapeFlats.co.za will continue monitoring developments within the transport sector at provincial and national levels.