The South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO) says it has observed a decline in passenger numbers, particularly on cross-border routes, amid growing tensions over illegal immigration and calls for the deportation of undocumented foreign nationals.
The organisation says taxi operators servicing routes between South Africa and neighbouring countries have been affected as concerns over safety and uncertainty continue to grow.
SANTACO has reiterated its support for reforms to the country's immigration system but has strongly opposed any mass action that could disrupt transport services or block public roads.
National spokesperson Rebecca Phala said taxi ranks in Johannesburg that operate routes into the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region have experienced a noticeable drop in commuter numbers.
"In Johannesburg, the taxi ranks that have operations feeding into the SADC region have started to show lower numbers of people coming into the ranks," Phala said.
"Through our engagements with operators on the ground, we have also heard that even people who are properly documented have begun to fear for their safety. As a result, demand for some of these cross-border operations has declined, which has obviously affected income."
Phala warned that while immigration challenges need to be addressed, any action that undermines public safety or disrupts transport networks could have wider economic consequences.
Her comments come amid a wave of protests against illegal immigration and increasing calls by some groups for undocumented foreign nationals to leave the country, raising concerns among transport operators and commuters alike.