The ongoing violence between CATA and CODETA, and the collapse of talks between the two taxi groupings, has put commuters and the public at risk. The Western Cape Mobility Department, together with other provincial authorities, is now taking urgent steps to restore order and protect lives.
The Somerset West taxi rank has been closed by the South African Police Service (SAPS) for 24 hours to prevent further violence.
An urgent court order will be filed against these organisations as a measure to quell the violence, intimidation, and unlawful operations. This will allow law-abiding operators to continue serving commuters.
The Provincial Taxi Registrar will issue a Section 7A(20) enquiry notice, requiring the associations to explain why they have failed to comply with the industry’s Code of Conduct. Should they be unable to provide satisfactory reasons, the registrar may impose sanctions, including suspending operating licences.
A Section 91 notice will also be issued. These notices document specific route infringements and serve as formal warnings that continued violations may result in the temporary or permanent closure of affected routes and/or ranks.
A contingency plan has been implemented to ensure safe and uninterrupted transport along all affected corridors. Alternative transport options will be provided to minimise service disruptions and protect commuters. Security will be overseen by Provincial Traffic, the SAPS, and the City of Cape Town Law Enforcement. This joint, targeted approach ensures that compliant operators can continue serving commuters safely, while those in violation face strict consequences.
The recent Western Cape Taxi Peace Summit was a step in the right direction, creating a shared platform for dialogue. Unfortunately, despite this effort and the mechanisms put in place to facilitate ongoing dialogue, the disregard for these processes has undermined the collective outcomes previously agreed upon. As a result, decisive action is now necessary to restore stability. We will not tolerate lawlessness, but we will continue our peace efforts and not let a few unlawful acts derail our commitment to helping all sides work towards lasting peace.
Premier Alan Winde has strongly condemned the violence. “Violence will never be condoned in our province. If these taxi associations are unable to negotiate peacefully, we are left with no alternative but to take the necessary steps to hold them accountable. Residents and commuters are our first priority. Their safety is of utmost importance and ensuring this is a non-negotiable. The loss of life is completely unacceptable, and we will work closely with all law enforcement to bring justice to those responsible for this heinous violence,” said Premier Winde. He has called for calm and a return to negotiations that will bring about lasting stability. The Premier concluded, “Nothing can justify bloodshed. It is only through dialogue that differences and challenges can be overcome.”
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