CAPE TOWN — Western Cape MEC for Mobility, Isaac Sileku, has issued a strong warning to rival taxi associations, CATA (Cape Amalgamated Taxi Association) and CODETA (Cape Organisation for the Democratic Taxi Association), in response to a renewed outbreak of violence linked to unresolved route disputes in Cape Town.
The call for action comes after peace talks between the two associations failed last week, reigniting tensions that left five people dead in separate incidents across the city. The root of the conflict is believed to stem from a long-standing dispute over minibus taxi routes between Khayelitsha, Mfuleni, and Somerset West—a lucrative corridor that has frequently been a flashpoint in the ongoing turf war.
Addressing the media on Monday, MEC Isaac Sileku expressed his deep concern over the inability of the taxi associations to reach a peaceful agreement and said the violence would not be tolerated by the provincial government.
“Progress starts with dialogue,” said Sileku. “If we choose talks over tension, we can build the safe, reliable taxi industry our communities deserve. But if associations continue to put lives at risk, they must prepare to face harsher consequences.”
Sileku stated unequivocally that if CATA and CODETA do not take immediate steps to de-escalate the conflict and reach a resolution, the Western Cape Mobility Department will impose stricter sanctions, including the possible suspension of operating licenses and heavy legal penalties.
Sileku Demands Immediate Action to Prevent More Bloodshed
To curb the violence and ensure the safety of commuters, the Mobility Department secured a court interdict last week. This legal order prohibits both CATA and CODETA from interfering with transport services along key transport routes.
The interdict also empowers law enforcement agencies to remove any vehicles or individuals obstructing public transport operations, particularly on high-conflict routes.
Despite the legal intervention, violence flared up again over the weekend, underscoring the volatility of the current situation and the urgency for lasting resolution.
“We are enforcing the court interdict with the full support of law enforcement. But enforcement alone is not a solution,” added Sileku. “Taxi bosses must take accountability for the actions of their members.”
Residents of Khayelitsha, Mfuleni, and Somerset West are living in fear, with many commuters caught in the crossfire. Taxi violence not only endangers lives but also disrupts economic activity, schooling, and essential services.
Parents are afraid to send their children to school, and workers are often left stranded due to suspended or delayed taxi operations during flare-ups. The fear of being caught in a violent encounter is a daily reality for thousands who rely on minibus taxis as their primary mode of transport.
Community leaders and civil society organisations have echoed Sileku’s call for decisive action, urging the taxi industry to prioritise peace over profit.
MEC Sileku’s statement also highlighted the broader need for structural reform in the minibus taxi industry. While the sector plays a critical role in transporting millions of South Africans every day, it remains largely unregulated in comparison to other forms of public transport.
“The safety and dignity of passengers must come first. The current state of affairs is unacceptable. We need systemic change,” said Sileku.
He also mentioned ongoing efforts by the Western Cape Government to implement modernisation programs in the public transport sector, including the integration of taxis into formal networks, digital route management, and stricter oversight mechanisms.
Both CATA and CODETA have come under increasing pressure from the provincial government, law enforcement, and the public to resolve their long-standing rivalry. The route dispute between Khayelitsha, Mfuleni, and Somerset West has been at the heart of numerous violent confrontations in the past, with repeated mediation attempts failing to produce lasting peace.
Sources close to the negotiations suggest that the associations remain far apart on key issues, particularly revenue-sharing and control over specific high-traffic corridors.
While both groups have publicly condemned the violence, there appears to be limited internal enforcement to prevent retaliatory attacks among rival operators.
As tensions simmer, all eyes are now on Isaac Sileku and his department to see what further measures will be taken. Should violence continue, the MEC may push for more aggressive interventions, including route suspensions, curfews on taxi operations, and additional legal restrictions.
For now, however, Sileku is urging dialogue and cooperation.
“This violence must stop. Our communities deserve better. The time for talk is now, and the time for peace is long overdue,” he said.
Source- EWN
