Update: 11 December, 4:30pm
The Western Cape High Court’s recent ruling has marked a significant turning point in the ongoing conflict within the minibus taxi industry, a decision welcomed by Provincial Minister for Mobility Isaac Sileku.
On 10 December, the court made permanent an earlier interim order that aims to curb violence and intimidation resulting from disputes between rival taxi associations, specifically the Cape Amalgamated Taxi Association (Cata) and the Cape Organisation for the Democratic Taxi Association (Codeta), reports Cape {town} Etc.
The tension in the minibus taxi sector has escalated since June 2025, particularly over the contested M18 route linking Mfuleni to Somerset West.
Despite various mediation attempts, the rivalry intensified, resulting in tragic outcomes, including fatalities and continued threats to public safety.
The situation compelled Minister Sileku to take legal action earlier this year, emphasising the pressing need for a regulated and corruption-free public transport system.
The initial temporary interdict granted in August 2025 aimed to curb the violence, yet incidents persisted unabated, continuing well into October.
‘This order is a victory for every commuter who deserves to travel safely and without fear. Violence and lawlessness have no place in our transport system,’ said Sileku following the court’s ruling.
He reiterated the commitment of the Western Cape Mobility Department to enforce compliance with operating licence conditions.
Sileku warned that failure to adhere to the court’s decision would lead to legal repercussions for non-compliant taxi associations.
Sileku further commended the efforts of the legal team and highlighted the shared responsibility among law enforcement, industry stakeholders, and the government to uphold the rights of commuters while ensuring the taxi industry operates within legal parameters.
‘Together, we can build a mini-bus taxi industry that serves the people of the Western Cape with dignity and respect,’ Sileku said.
Update: 16 October, 6:30pm
In a proactive move to maintain peace within the public transport sector, Western Cape Mobility Minister Isaac Sileku has filed a notice of intent to extend extraordinary measures aimed at closing off specific mini-bus taxi routes and lanes for an additional 30 days, reports Cape {town} Etc.
The affected routes (such as Somerset West) include where tensions have previously escalated between local taxi associations, Cata and Codeta.
These associations have been granted 24 hours to respond to Sileku’s notice, signalling a critical deadline for dialogue amidst ongoing negotiations.
Since the implementation of these extraordinary measures, which took effect 29 days ago, no further acts of violence or disruptions have been reported on the affected routes.
Sileku expressed optimism about the effectiveness of these measures, stating, ‘We have seen no further acts of violence or disruptions since these measures were first implemented. This period has created the necessary space for both associations to engage constructively in pursuit of lasting peace,’
The notice of intent comes at a crucial time as discussions between Cata and Codeta have shown signs of commitment towards finding a sustainable resolution.
Sileku characterised the extension as both a precautionary and proactive step while emphasising the importance of sustained efforts from both associations to work collaboratively.
‘We will continue to closely monitor the situation and urge both associations to intensify their efforts to reach an agreement. Our collective aim remains to protect lives, promote safety, and stability in the public transport sector,’ Sileku affirmed.
The Western Cape High Court has delivered a decisive ruling, dismissing an urgent interdict application by the Congress of Democratic Taxi Associations (Codeta) aimed at stopping the provincial Department of Mobility from closing several taxi routes and ranks.
This landmark judgement upholds the lawfulness of actions taken under Section 91 of the National Land Transport Act, crucial in addressing ongoing safety issues linked to taxi-related violence in areas such as Helderberg and Khayelitsha.
In a pivotal finding, the court confirmed that the provincial department acted within its legal authority when undertaking extraordinary measures deemed necessary for ensuring commuter safety and restoring order in the troubled regions.
Codeta had contended that the closures were both procedurally unfair and unlawful; however, the court’s decision clarified that the department’s actions were reasonable, justified, and in the public’s interest.
Western Cape Minister of Mobility, Isaac Sileku, welcomed the judgment as a reinforcement of the department’s dedication to the safety of commuters and adherence to the rule of law.
In a statement following the court’s ruling, Sileku expressed gratitude for the legal system’s alignment with public safety priorities.
He affirmed that, despite claims by Codeta, the department’s primary focus remains resting in the protection and welfare of all commuters and taxi operators.
The closure affects several key routes, including:
- 611 Khayelitsha – Somerset West
- 43 Lwandle – Khayelitsha
- M18 Mfuleni – Somerset West
- X19 Nomzamo – Mfuleni
- AA20 Khayelitsha – Somerset West CBD via Vergelegen Medical Clinic
- AA21 Khayelitsha – Sitari Village Mall
- R96 Khayelitsha – Somerset West via Somerset Mall
- R97 Khayelitsha – Waterstone Mall – Somerset West
- YEX63 Mfuleni – Somerset West
- YEX64 Mfuleni – Strand via Somerset West
With just one week left in the 30-day period allowing these extraordinary measures, Sileku urged all stakeholders involved to focus on dialogue over disruption.
He expressed hope that the affected associations might find common ground through negotiation instead of costly legal battles, reiterating the importance of restoring stability and safety for all.
‘The focus must remain on restoring stability and ensuring that no commuter or operator’s life is ever placed at risk again,’ Sileku added.
Sileku’s firm stance reflects a clear commitment both to the law and to the protection of lives. The window for meaningful conversation between the department and taxi associations is rapidly closing, and all eyes will be on how stakeholders will respond effectively in the coming days.
The South African National Taxi Council (Santaco) Western Cape has expressed a mix of understanding and sadness over the Western Cape Government’s decision to implement extraordinary measures to safeguard public transport users, reports Cape {town} Etc.
This resolution, grounded in Section 91 of the National Land Transport Act, permits the province to shut down selected taxi routes where unrest has jeopardised safety.
Starting from Wednesday, 17 September 2025, these route closures are expected to last for 30 days.
In a statement, Santaco conveyed heartfelt concerns regarding the repercussions this decision will have on taxi operators and the families who depend on these livelihoods.
‘Sadness, because of the long-lasting impact it will have on the livelihoods of taxi operators and their families, as well as the businesses that sustain our industry,’ remarked Santaco.
The council recognised that such measures, though regrettable, are necessary to protect lives amid escalating violence and instability linked to the taxi sector.
‘We sincerely apologise to commuters who will be inconvenienced by these closures. As an industry that provides the backbone of daily mobility for thousands of people, we are deeply aware of the disruption this brings,’ Santaco added.
Despite the challenges posed by the closures, Santaco remains optimistic. They are steadfast in their belief that ongoing discussions with government officials and other stakeholders will pave the way for peace and stability.
‘Santaco Western Cape is committed to working tirelessly and in good faith towards a lasting solution,’ the council stated.
The council has also made an appeal to the media and the wider public to foster a supportive environment for the taxi industry, emphasising a collective approach to restoring stability and trust among commuters.
‘Our firm belief is that, through collective effort, dialogue, and understanding, the Western Cape will overcome this period and restore both stability in the industry and trust among our commuters,’ the council concluded.
The Western Cape Government will suspend a number of taxi routes serving the Mfuleni, Khayelitsha, Nomzamo, Lwandle and Somerset West corridor from Wednesday, 17 September 2025 for 30 days, Mobility MEC Isaac Sileku announced on Friday.
The measures follow weeks of taxi violence that have cost lives and severely disrupted mobility for thousands of commuters.
The following routes have closed:
• Route M18: Mfuleni – Somerset West
• Route 43: Lwandle – Khayelitsha via Somerset West
• Route 611: Khayelitsha – Somerset West
• Route X19: Nomzamo – Mfuleni
• Route AA20: Khayelitsha – Somerset West via Vergelegen
• Route R96: Khayelitsha – Somerset West via Somerset Mall
• Route AA21: Khayelitsha – Sitari Village Mall (drop-off)
• Route R97: Khayelitsha – Somerset West (drop-off only)
• Route YEX63: Mfuleni – Somerset West (drop-off only)
• Route YEX64: Mfuleni – Somerset West (drop-off only)
Cape {town} Etc Discount Alert! Unlock Cape Town’s best experiences for half the price! From unforgettable adventures to hidden gems and mouthwatering restaurants, these limited-time deals won’t last long. Snag your discount before they’re gone!
Specified lanes at taxi ranks in Khayelitsha, Makhaza, Mfuleni, Somerset West, Nomzamo and Lwandle will also close while the ban is in force.
The province says it invoked Section 91 of the National Land Transport Act to allow these extraordinary steps. Western Cape Government.
Sileku described the decision as exceptionally difficult and said the priority is commuter safety after recent shootings, including deaths reported during late August and a fatal shooting on 4 September.
He urged taxi operators to seize the pause as an opportunity to negotiate durable, peaceful agreements. (Government of South Africa)
To reduce disruption, the province says it has arranged additional capacity with Golden Arrow and Metrorail to help learners and workers reach schools and workplaces during the exam period.
Law enforcement agencies, provincial traffic officers and the City’s enforcement teams will provide visible policing on affected routes and at ranks to stop illegal operations. Authorities warned that anyone contravening the notice will face legal action. (Western Cape Government)
Residents and commuters expressed concern about the impact on daily travel, while the Western Cape urged CATA and CODETA to prioritise commuters’ safety and dignity and return to talks aimed at a lasting settlement.
The province said the temporary closures aim to protect lives and create space for a long-term solution. See statement here.
Be the first to know – Join our WhatsApp Channel for content worth tapping into! Click here to join!
Also read:
High Court slams SAPS for illegal raid on CT mayoral offices
Picture: Brenton Geach / Gallo Images
