The Cape Organisation for the Democratic Taxi Association (Codeta) and the Cape Amalgamated Taxi Association (Cata) have confirmed that they are now in conflict over the Khayelitsha–Somerset West route.

The two associations met on Tuesday to try to resolve the dispute, but the talks failed.

Both parties said they were still hopeful that peace would be found while tensions remain high.

The violence follows a peace agreement signed on June 24 after the intervention of the South African National Taxi Council and the government.

Less than two months later, taxi drivers were attacked in Somerset West, Philippi East, Khayelitsha, Strand, and Macassar in just five days.

Cata spokesperson Nkululeko Sityebi said the current fight is about the route between Khayelitsha and Somerset West.

“The other party remains aggrieved, and the agreement is still active. The fight here is about the route between Khayelitsha and Somerset West. There is a court order that is in place that bars Codeta from picking up passengers from Somerset West. Suddenly, Codeta is going against an order that has been standing for 20 years, and their operating licences are only for them, not to return, but one way.”

He said this matter is separate from the Mfuleni–Somerset West conflict, which left more than six people dead.

“This was not an issue until recently, and it needs to end because we don’t want any more bloodshed. We have now suggested that we work together, where we are going, each association has a chance to load passengers from the same rank, so we both benefit.”

Codeta chairperson Nceba Enge said they wanted to be able to conduct return trips.

“We are still in talks. We want to be able to do return trips. We have an A point where the residents live, and we transport them to the B point, and we want to take them back home, and that is the issue. We demand that our agreement that we had in 2021 be implemented, as Cata also shares some of our routes. So if we can have the same agreement as the one in Mfuleni, we would be happy.”

The Western Cape Mobility Department confirmed that the Somerset West taxi rank had been closed by the South African Police Service for 24 hours to prevent further violence.

The department said an urgent court order will be filed against the organisations to quell 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. If they are 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 ranks.

A contingency plan has been implemented to ensure safe and uninterrupted transport along all affected corridors. Alternative transport options will be provided, and security will be overseen by Provincial Traffic, the SAPS, and the City of Cape Town law enforcement.

Mobility Minister Isaac Sileku said: “My first duty is to protect commuters. No one has the right to endanger the lives of ordinary people just trying to get to work, school, or home. Let me be clear: violence will never be rewarded. Those who break the law will face the strongest possible consequences, and those who serve commuters with integrity will always have the government’s support.”

The minister added that the Western Cape Taxi Peace Summit on June 24 created a platform for dialogue, but that disregard for these processes had undermined collective outcomes.

“As a result, decisive action is now necessary to restore stability. We will not tolerate lawlessness. We will continue our peace efforts and not allow lawlessness to derail our commitment to helping all sides work towards lasting peace.”

Premier Alan Winde said: “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.”

He called for calm and a return to negotiations.

“Nothing can justify bloodshed. It is only through dialogue that differences and challenges can be overcome.”

mandilakhe.tshwete@inl.co.za 

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