The Transport Department has condemned the alarming number of unroadworthy taxis operating on SA roads after a viral social media trend showed commuters’ harrowing experiences in taxis, TimesLIVE reports.

The videos show some taxis with doors that don't close properly, malfunctioning parts, and even a taxi driving in reverse as oncoming traffic approached, leaving passengers terrified.

‘Let's condemn such behaviour because unroadworthy taxis aren't allowed on our roads', department spokesperson Collen Msibi said in an interview with Newzroom Afrika.

‘It is the reason we introduced the Taxi Recapitalisation programme to get rid of the moving coffins, but we continue to see these vehicles on our roads, which is unacceptable.’

He called on law enforcement authorities to take action.

Eleanor Mavimbela, spokesperson for the Automobile Association, echoed Msibi's concerns, saying while the social media trend may have started as a humorous way to share experiences, it highlights the real and dangerous issue of unroadworthy taxis on SA’s roads.

SA National Taxi Council spokesperson Rebecca Phala argued that the government was not doing enough to support the taxi industry, citing the high percentage of costs taxi owners must bear to buy new vehicles.

‘To secure a brand-new vehicle for cash, you will need to pay just over R500 000. The financing sector is not very kind to the taxi industry. The percentages that we have to pay if we purchase this vehicle, along with the monthly repayments, are incredibly difficult. We're not oblivious to the reality that we do not always operate the most roadworthy vehicles. However, the reality is that we feel the government is not meeting us halfway,’ she said.

Full TimesLIVE report