Codeta and Cata clash over Khayelitsha–Somerset West route: Urgent action required

The Cape Organisation for the Democratic Taxi Association (Codeta) and the Cape Amalgamated Taxi Association (Cata) are embroiled in a conflict over the Khayelitsha–Somerset West route.

Despite a meeting on Tuesday aimed at resolving the dispute, negotiations broke down, escalating tensions between the two groups.

This violence comes just weeks after a peace agreement was signed on June 24, following intervention from the South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO) 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 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 the Somerset West taxi rank was closed 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. 

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.

Mobility MEC 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.”

Premier Alan Winde said: "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."

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