4 SEPTEMBER 2025

COMMENT: HOLDING STATEMENT ON SANTACO STRIKE

The Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry NPC is deeply concerned about the ongoing taxi strike affecting the surrounding areas of Durban. While we acknowledge the concerns raised by SANTACO regarding permits and the impoundment of vehicles, as organised business, we believe that the disruption to transport services has had a significant impact not only on employees who rely on public transport but also on business operations.

Although the full extent of losses is still to be determined, staff shortages, hampered productivity, and lost income for both employees and businesses are a major concern. Informal and small businesses are particularly at risk. If the strike is not resolved before the weekend, it will adversely impact on our economy, worsening financial pressures not only for workers and businesses, but also impacting business confidence in eThekwini.

The Durban Chamber acknowledges the government’s efforts to convene a stakeholder meeting, and we are confident that this matter will be resolved swiftly if consensus-building remains a priority and the resolution reflects the interest of all parties. We have not seen any incidents of violence, and we commend SANTACO and its members for maintaining a peaceful strike.

Furthermore, we believe it is essential for authorities to keep business leaders informed of service disruptions and recovery plans. As part of our mandate under policy and advocacy, we are committed to keeping the business community informed of any developments that may affect productivity and safety. We have been in communication with the business community and members, sharing security briefs that outline risks and recommended actions. We encourage the business community to follow all our major communication channels for the latest updates. ensure that available funding is utilised efficiently and effectively for the benefit of the City and Business.

About the Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry NPC
Founded in 1856, the Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry NPC is the largest member-based metropolitan chamber in Southern Africa. We represent approximately 3,000 businesses in eThekwini and beyond, ranging from multinationals to corporates and SMMEs. Since 2019, we also represent 54,000 informal sector businesses through their business associations. Policy and advocacy are at the heart of our work and we assist members with securing trade and investment opportunities locally and internationally, providing business advisory services (CIPC, Certificate of Origin, ITC checks, HR consultancy and more) across a broad spectrum of sectors, engaging thought leadership through forum webinars and other networking events, sharing business information through digital platforms, and also sourcing business insights through occasional questionnaires. The Durban Chamber advocates and influences policy decisions that affect the interests of business (tax legislation, import and export regulations and more), offering member benefits and providing information relevant to business decision-making. As a business-based and member-focused organisation, our strategic purpose is to help create a conducive economic and business environment to facilitate and promote economic growth in the region in partnership with key stakeholders.

For more info, contact the Durban Chamber on 031 335 1000 or info@durbanchamber.co.za
Our website is www.durbanchamber.co.za

NOTE TO EDITORS:

Comment attribution: Palesa Phili, CEO, The Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry NPC

Media contacts:

Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry NPC
Ms Zanele Khomo
Chief Growth Officer
T: +27 31 335 1000
E: khomoz@durbanchamber.co.za