Western Cape steps up response to taxi violence ahead of exams

Provincial and Cape Town city officials say they are stepping up their joint response to taxi violence that has killed people, frightened communities and interrupted public transport, The Citizen reported on Friday.

Western Cape Mobility Minister Isaac Sileku and the city’s mayoral committee member for urban mobility, Rob Quintas, met leaders of the South African National Taxi Council (Santaco) in the province and of Codeta on Thursday. The aim was to agree on urgent steps to stop the bloodshed.

Cata absent from the talks

The Cape Amalgamated Taxi Association (Cata) was not at the meeting. According to reports from Arrive Alive, its leaders had commitments outside the province. Sileku accepted the apology but said it was deeply disappointing that the association was missing from such an urgent discussion, given the deaths.

Sileku said route and operating-rights disputes cannot be allowed to endanger innocent people. He said the province and the city are combining legal steps, regulatory action and more policing, with the premier’s office also involved.

What has been planned

• A meeting between the leaders of Cata and Codeta on Monday, 2 November, to deal with the outstanding disputes and look for a lasting solution.
• Continued regulatory processes, including an inquiry into alleged violations by taxi associations that have been identified, and an urgent court application to clarify who may operate where.
• A visible police and law enforcement presence in the affected areas, with the city backing the province’s legal action.
• Work on backup transport options for commuters if taxi services are halted.

Premier Alan Winde said he was appalled by the latest violence and called on all law enforcement agencies to work together to bring it under control and arrest those responsible. He said disputes between taxi groups must be settled within the law, and that taxi leaders who refuse to negotiate peacefully should expect action from the authorities. He added that the government values the taxi industry but will not tolerate violence that endangers the public.

Exams and policing

Education Minister Jaco Londt said he was especially concerned about the effect on the National Senior Certificate exams. He said the Western Cape Education Department has contingency plans for disruptions, from bad weather and power cuts to gang activity and protests. It works with the police to ensure learners can travel safely, and counselling support is available to schools that ask for it.

Police Oversight and Community Safety MEC Anroux Marais said it is unacceptable that stretched police resources are repeatedly pulled away from gang-ridden communities to deal with taxi disputes. She said “the violence must end” and that those behind unlawful conduct must face consequences.

What this means for commuters

Commuters in affected areas can expect more visible policing. Monday’s meeting between Cata and Codeta is the next key date. The department has not yet said where or when any extra transport would run, so people who rely on taxis should keep an eye on official updates. Matric candidates should follow instructions from their schools, which have been told contingency plans are in place.

This story is based on reporting by The Citizen.