The Western Cape Government and the City of Cape Town are stepping up efforts to tackle taxi-related violence, with renewed calls for peaceful negotiations as disputes continue to threaten lives and disrupt public transport, Cape {town} Etc reports.
Western Cape Mobility Minister Isaac Sileku and City of Cape Town MMC for Urban Mobility Rob Quintas met with representatives from the South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO) Western Cape and CODETA on Thursday, 29 October, to discuss urgent interventions.
The meeting comes amid growing concern about the impact of taxi industry disputes on commuters, local communities and essential services across the province.
The Cape Amalgamated Taxi Association (CATA) did not attend, citing prior commitments outside the province. Government acknowledged the explanation but expressed disappointment, given the urgency of the situation and the loss of life linked to the violence.
Sileku warned that disagreements over routes and operating rights could not be allowed to endanger innocent people or bring public transport services to a standstill.
The provincial government and the City are pursuing a coordinated response that includes regulatory processes, legal action and increased law enforcement, with the Office of the Premier also involved.
The planned interventions include a further engagement with CATA and CODETA leadership on Monday, 2 November, to address outstanding disputes and work towards a lasting resolution.
The Western Cape Mobility Department will continue its regulatory processes, including an inquiry into alleged violations by identified taxi associations. An urgent court application is also being pursued to clarify operating rights.
Meanwhile, the City has committed to maintaining a visible law enforcement presence in affected areas and supporting the province’s legal efforts.
Authorities are also exploring additional transport services to help commuters if taxi operations are disrupted.
Premier Alan Winde condemned the latest outbreak of violence, calling on law enforcement agencies to work together to identify and arrest those responsible.
He stressed that disagreements within the taxi industry must be resolved through lawful processes rather than intimidation and bloodshed.
While acknowledging the industry’s important role in the province’s public transport network, Winde said violence that puts commuters and other members of the public at risk would not be tolerated.
Sileku echoed those concerns, saying residents should not have to live in fear or find themselves stranded because of disputes between taxi operators.
The government’s priority, he said, is to protect lives, restore stability and limit the economic disruption caused by the ongoing conflict.
The effects of taxi-related violence extend beyond transport routes, with provincial authorities also concerned about the safety of learners and teachers as the National Senior Certificate examinations continue.
Western Cape Education Minister Jaco Londt said the violence could create additional challenges for schools and examination teams, particularly where transport disruptions affect learners’ ability to reach examination venues safely.
The Western Cape Education Department has contingency plans for potential disruptions and works with the South African Police Service and other safety structures to support safe passage for learners.
Police visibility can be arranged where necessary, while psychosocial support is available to schools on request.
Learners who need assistance can also contact the department’s Safe Schools helpline on 0800 45 46 47.
Western Cape Minister of Police Oversight and Community Safety Anroux Marais raised concerns about the pressure repeated taxi-related incidents place on already stretched policing resources.
She said officers were being diverted from communities dealing with gang violence and killings to respond to disputes within the taxi industry.
Marais commended the SAPS and the City’s enforcement agencies for coordinating deployments aimed at stabilising affected areas.
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Delft taxi rank closed temporarily amid renewed CATA and CODETA tensions
Picture: Jaco Marais / Gallo Images (For illustration purposes)
