The DA in the Western Cape has welcomed the reopening of the B97 route between Paarl and Bellville following 18 months of temporary closure.
Provincial Minister of Mobility, Daylin Mitchell, suspended all taxi services on the B97 route in July 2021. This came after several violent conflicts caused by disputes over routes in the mini-bus taxi industry. The safety of passengers, commuters, drivers, and all other road users had significantly declined as a result of how the dispute had unfolded.
MPP Ricardo Mackenzie says: “I commend the provincial Department of Mobility for working hard to ensure that the B97 route is reopened and the signed agreements between CATA and CODETA. I further urge SANTACO to encourage cooperative relationships between taxi associations in the Western Cape so that services never have to be suspended again.
I hope that the agreement between the two parties will make it possible for the various taxi associations to operate amicably so that commuters may continue to receive uninterrupted services.
While I welcome that the B97 route is back in service, I also want to request that the National Prosecuting Authority and Department of Justice look into the violent crimes and murders that were reported during the Bellville taxi strike. Over 83 individuals died as a result of the dispute. The national government and SAPS must report on these cases so that those responsible can be brought to book.
The DA in the Western Cape will keep working to encourage collaborative relationships within the taxi industry.”
