Cashless taxi payments have once again taken centre stage in Gauteng. This is after Premier Panyaza Lesufi reignited debate by reviving plans to make the province’s taxi industry fully cashless. The initiative aims to modernise public transport and reduce crimes linked to cash handling.
“Imagine paying a Gauteng taxi with your phone, Sassa card, credit card, debit card or a prepaid temporary card. Imagine no more. We are migrating our taxi industry to a cashless environment to eliminate cash that leads to ATM bombings, cash-in-transit heists and business robberies,” Lesufi said in a social media post.
A Step Toward a Digital Taxi Industry
The cashless payment concept isn’t new. Lesufi initially unveiled the idea in October 2023, announcing a full transition to cashless taxi operations by January 2026. He reiterated this commitment in April 2024, introducing a new platform called SAPay, designed to power the system.
Commuters will be able to activate their SAPay digital wallets through the official website or by scanning a sticker displayed inside minibus taxis. The payment system can also be accessed via the SAPay mobile app, available on the Google Play Store.
To register, passengers need to provide their name and phone number a once-off process that enables them to use digital payments for their taxi rides.
“QR codes can be scanned with your camera, and NFC is a common smartphone feature that allows you to tap and pay,” explained SAPay.
How SAPay Works
Once registered, commuters can top up their SAPay wallet using a Sassa card, debit or credit card, or through a bank transfer. Parents can also manage travel expenses for their children by creating accounts remotely.
For passengers without smartphones, prepaid SAPay cards are available for R100 at participating retailers or directly from taxi drivers. These cards can be reloaded as needed, and funds can be transferred to a new device or card if lost.
In addition to convenience, SAPay offers added benefits including:
- A 30-day life insurance policy
- Discounts from partnered brands
- Safety features to report unsafe taxis or incidents
“SAPay is more than a payment tool. It’s a safety and efficiency upgrade for passengers, drivers and operators,” the company said. “This is a joint venture with the National Taxi Alliance to improve the lives of everyone involved in the industry.”
Public Reaction: Praise and Doubt
While some Gauteng residents welcomed the move as a sign of progress, others were unconvinced about its feasibility.
On X (formerly Twitter), Godfrey Maphanga commented: “Why don’t you talk about the safety of passengers? People are dying at the hands of the taxi industry every day.”
Clifford Sihlezana questioned accessibility: “Why must I go to a retail store to top up? Why can’t I just tap my bank card?”
Mahlare Moradu expressed scepticism about government efforts to formalise the taxi sector: “These initiatives have failed before. Trying to structure an informal industry is a waste of resources. Good luck with this one.”
Lesufi Stands Firm on Cashless Taxi Payments
Despite the criticism, Lesufi remains determined to push forward with the digital rollout. He believes cashless payments will help combat crime, improve financial transparency, and bring Gauteng’s taxi sector in line with modern public transport systems worldwide.
“This initiative is not just about convenience,” Lesufi said previously. “It’s about creating a safer, smarter and more accountable public transport system.”
The big question now is whether the ambitious SAPay rollout will overcome scepticism and logistical challenges to transform the province’s most widely used mode of transport.
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