Court upholds taxi route closures in Western Cape amid safety concerns
The Western Cape High Court has dismissed an urgent interdict application by the Congress of Democratic Taxi Associations (Codeta) against the provincial Department of Mobility, confirming the lawfulness of the department’s decision to close certain taxi routes and ranks under Section 91 of the National Land Transport Act.
The court found that the department acted within its legal mandate when it invoked the extraordinary measures to ensure commuter safety and restore order following persistent taxi-related violence and disruptions in the Helderberg and Khayelitsha areas.
Codeta had sought to prevent the department from implementing the closures, arguing that the decision was procedurally unfair and unlawful.
However, the court ruled that the department’s actions were justified, reasonable, and in the public interest.
The judgment noted that the extraordinary measures were necessary to prevent further loss of life and property damage linked to ongoing taxi conflicts between Codeta and the Cape Amalgamated Taxi Association (Cata).
The court dismissed Codeta’s application with costs, reaffirming that the provincial government has the power to temporarily suspend routes and rank operations when safety is at risk.
The affected routes include 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, and YEX64 Mfuleni–Strand via Somerset West.
In response to the ruling, Western Cape Minister of Mobility Isaac Sileku welcomed the judgment, saying it reaffirmed the department’s commitment to commuter safety and the rule of law.
“This judgment reaffirms that our actions are guided by the law and prioritise the protection of lives,” said Sileku. “With seven days remaining, we call on all parties to return to the negotiating table and work towards a lasting, peaceful solution.”
The minister added that with the court’s support, the department will continue implementing the 30-day extraordinary measures, including the temporary closure of the specified routes and ranks.
He urged affected associations and stakeholders to prioritise dialogue over disruption and focus on finding common ground rather than resorting to costly litigation.
Sileku said the department remains committed to restoring stability and ensuring that no commuter or operator’s life is placed at risk again.
Codeta was not available for comment.
mandilakhe.tshwete@inl.co.za