Gauteng MEC Condemns Murder of Taxi Alliance Leader Thamsanqa Moyo

Gauteng MEC for Roads and Transport, Kedibone Diale-Tlabela, has expressed deep sorrow and outrage following the brutal killing of Thamsanqa Moyo, the Gauteng Chairperson of the National Taxi Alliance (NTA). Moyo was gunned down on Thursday while driving along the Soweto Highway, in what authorities have described as a targeted attack.

Shock and Condemnation

In an official statement, MEC Diale-Tlabela strongly condemned the “senseless act of violence” that has robbed the taxi industry of a respected leader. She described Moyo as a figure who dedicated his life to fostering dialogue within the sector and advocating for stability in an industry often marred by internal disputes and violence.

“This is a devastating loss to the taxi industry and to Gauteng as a whole,” Diale-Tlabela said. “Moyo was a leader who played an important role in shaping dialogue within the industry and promoting stability. His untimely death is a blow to ongoing efforts to build peace, unity, and sustainable solutions within the taxi sector.”

The MEC’s statement reflects widespread shock across the province, where the taxi industry remains a cornerstone of public transport, ferrying millions of commuters daily.

Call for Justice

Diale-Tlabela urged law enforcement authorities to intensify efforts to track down those responsible for the killing. She stressed that criminality must not be allowed to derail the progress made toward peace and reform in the taxi industry.

“We cannot allow criminal elements to derail progress in the taxi industry through acts of intimidation and violence. We call for calm, restraint, and cooperation as investigations unfold,” she said.

Her remarks come amid growing concerns about the ongoing violence linked to rivalries in the sector, which has historically seen disputes over routes, leadership, and operational control escalate into deadly conflicts.

Honouring Moyo’s Legacy

The MEC extended heartfelt condolences to Moyo’s family, friends, and colleagues, as well as to the NTA leadership and members. She confirmed that she would personally visit the Moyo family on Friday to offer support and solidarity during this time of grief.

Through this visit, Diale-Tlabela hopes to honour the memory of Moyo, who was known as a voice for dialogue, unity, and reform in a sector critical to the province’s transport system.

Building a Safer Taxi Industry

The Gauteng provincial government reaffirmed its commitment to working with all stakeholders in the taxi industry to promote a safe, reliable, and peaceful transport environment. The MEC stressed that the stability of the sector is essential not only for the industry itself but also for the millions of residents who rely on taxis as their primary mode of transport.

Moyo’s death, she added, must serve as a rallying point for strengthening unity, addressing conflict, and rejecting violence in all its forms. “As we mourn his loss, let us recommit to the vision of a peaceful and sustainable taxi industry,” Diale-Tlabela said.