The Western Cape Mobility Department has reopened all previously closed taxi routes following a month-long shutdown triggered by deadly clashes between rival taxi associations.

The routes, which were closed on September 17 after six people were killed amid violent disputes between the Cape Amalgamated Taxi Association (Cata) and the Cape Organisation for the Democratic Taxi Association (Codeta), were officially reopened at midnight on Friday.

However, while the restrictions have been lifted, not all taxis have resumed operations as both associations continue talks with the provincial government.

Cata spokesperson Nkululeko Sityebi said discussions were still ongoing.

“I can’t comment now because we are still in negotiations with the MEC and we will have a meeting on Sunday,” he said.

Codeta spokesperson Makhosandile Tumana confirmed that some taxis had started operating again.

“We were informed that we should operate according to our permits. We will hear all the details when we meet with the MEC,” he said.

The affected routes linked several key communities, including Khayelitsha, Mfuleni, Lwandle, Nomzamo, and Somerset West.

The closures had also affected lanes at major taxi ranks in Khayelitsha, Mfuleni, Somerset West, Nomzamo, and Lwandle, disrupting daily travel for thousands of commuters who depend on minibus taxis as their main form of transport.

Mobility MEC Isaac Sileku announced on Thursday his intention to extend the closure for another 30 days.

However, after further consultations, he reversed the decision on Friday evening.

“After careful consideration of the representations received, I have decided not to issue a second closure notice, and as such, the current closure notice automatically lapsed at midnight, October 17, 2025,” said Sileku.

He added that both Cata and Codeta could resume operating in line with their existing permits and urged them to prioritise peace and commuter safety.

“We have seen the impact of the extraordinary measures that resulted in the restoration of calm in the areas. This was not an easy decision, but one taken to protect the rights and needs of the commuters. As part of our ongoing efforts to reach a sustainable and peaceful solution with the two associations and all affected parties, I now call on both associations to demonstrate the same level of commitment, not only to government, but to the people of this province who depend on a safe, reliable, and dignified public transport system,” said Sileku.

He further confirmed that law enforcement agencies would continue monitoring the routes closely to ensure that violence does not flare up again.

“Our law enforcement agencies will be monitoring the situation on the ground closely to ensure the safety of commuters and the broader public,” he said.

The reopening marks the end of a tense 30-day period during which commuters were forced to seek alternative transport options.

The provincial government had introduced temporary measures to minimise disruptions, but the closures had nonetheless caused severe inconvenience, especially for workers and students travelling between Khayelitsha, Mfuleni, and Somerset West.

Both taxi associations have, in recent months, accused one another of encroaching on operating territories, sparking recurring tensions and sporadic acts of violence.

The latest conflict, which claimed six lives, prompted Sileku’s department to invoke Section 91 of the National Land Transport Act, which allows the provincial government to suspend routes and ranks for safety reasons.

The upcoming meeting between the taxi bosses and the MEC is expected to finalise long-term agreements aimed at preventing further bloodshed.

mandilakhe.tshwete@inl.co.za 

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