The Western Cape Government is taking taxi associations CATA and CODETA to court, following tension within the industry.
Police has closed the Somerset West taxi rank for 24 hours
to prevent further violence.
In a statement, Mobility Department and Premier’s office
says an urgent court order will be filed against these organisations ‘’as a
measure to quell the 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. Should they be 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/or ranks,’’ read the statement.
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ARCHIVEProvincial government said a contingency plan has been
implemented to ensure safe and uninterrupted transport along all affected
corridors.
‘’Alternative transport options will be provided to minimise
service disruptions and protect commuters. Security will be overseen by
Provincial Traffic, the SAPS, and the City of Cape Town Law Enforcement. This
joint, targeted approach ensures that compliant operators can continue serving
commuters safely, while those in violation face strict consequences,’’ it said.
‘’The recent Western Cape Taxi Peace Summit was a step in
the right direction, creating a shared platform for dialogue. Unfortunately,
despite this effort and the mechanisms put in place to facilitate ongoing dialogue,
the disregard for these processes has undermined the collective outcomes
previously agreed upon. As a result, decisive action is now necessary to
restore stability. We will not tolerate lawlessness, but we will continue our
peace efforts and not let a few unlawful acts derail our commitment to helping
all sides work towards lasting peace,’’ it added.
Premier Alan Winde condemned the violence.
“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.’’
Winde called for calm and a return to negotiations that
will bring about lasting stability.
“Nothing can justify bloodshed. It is only through dialogue
that differences and challenges can be overcome.”
Meanwhile, the Western Cape’s Standing Committees on Police
Oversight and Community Safety and Mobility, says it intends to invite the
Western Cape Mobility MEC, Isaac Sileku; National Police Commissioner, General
Fannie Masemola; and the Western Cape
Provincial Police Commissioner, Adv. Lt. Gen. Thembisile Patekile; to discuss
immediate, coordinated interventions to stabilise the situation.
‘’ The safety of communities, especially
commuters, must be our top priority. As we condemn these acts of violence, we
call for immediate action to reduce incidents in this vital industry. The
people of the Western Cape deserve safe, reliable transport and a secure
environment,’’ said Nomafrench Mbombo, Western cape Parliament’s Mobility
Chairperson.
Done By: Elona Sibunzi
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