The North West Taxi industry is taking a firm stance against the growing trend of illegal taxi operations in Vryburg with the launch of “Operation Mmereko O Bwele Renkeng,” a campaign initiated by the Naledi Municipality Taxi Associations (NAMTA). The operation was officially launched at the N14 entrance into Vryburg, on Monday 24 March 2024, and will now continue on a weekly basis.

According to NAMTA, the aim of this intensified awareness operation is to clamp down on unauthorised taxi operators who continue to operate without valid permits, undermining the regulated taxi industry and threatening the livelihoods of compliant operators.

NAMTA further confirmed that this Thursday, 27 March 2025, the campaign will escalate as taxi bosses from across the country are expected to descend on Vryburg in a show of solidarity and to assess the state of taxi operations in and around the town.

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A Threat to Regulated Transport

NAMTA has raised several concerns regarding the conduct of illegal operators. Unlike permit-holding taxis, these unauthorised operators function outside the regulatory framework, creating unfair competition and jeopardising commuter safety.

“As regulated operators, our members are restricted to operating within the limits of their permits,” one Taxi Operators explained. “Any deviation results in penalties from law enforcement. But these illegal operators have no such restrictions and face no accountability.”

Moreover, the existence of 16 identified illegal taxi ranks throughout Vryburg is eroding business for legitimate taxi services. These ranks—operating on street corners, roadside spots and open lots—transport passengers to destinations as far-reaching as Taung, Kuruman, Ganyesa, Schweizer-Reneke, Rustenburg, Mafikeng, and even across the provincial borders.

A recent National Taxi Alliance assessment, focusing on taxi operations between the Highveld and Upington, revealed that a staggering 72% of all illegal taxi operators in that stretch are from Vryburg.

Defending Their Livelihoods

NAMTA Chairperson Jimmy Machogo described the operation as “long overdue,” stating that the association is acting in the interest of preserving the legal taxi trade and protecting the income of law-abiding drivers.

“This campaign is not just about enforcement—it’s about survival,” said Machogo. “Our members are feeling the pressure in their pockets, and we can no longer ignore the financial impact these rogue operators are having on our industry.”

Machogo went on to express deep appreciation for the unwavering support from Naledi Local Municipality’s Law Enforcement Officers, including Traffic Officials and Senior Management. “We always get 110% support from them,” he stated.

He also commended members of the community who continue to support registered NAMTA taxis, and extended a call to action to the South African Police Service (SAPS) to become more involved in enforcement efforts. “We urge SAPS to come on board and play their part in protecting the transport system and the community,” he said.

The Road Ahead

With momentum building and national support pouring in, NAMTA hopes this campaign will restore order, protect the legal transport trade, and raise awareness among passengers about the importance of using registered transport services. The weekly operations are expected to continue until illegal operations are significantly reduced.

As Thursday’s gathering of national taxi leaders approaches, all eyes will be on Vryburg as the town becomes the focal point of a broader national debate on regulation, safety, and fairness in the commuter transport sector.

-The VIP Team

-NAMTA

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