Taxi route closures in Western Cape following deadly violence

The Western Cape Government has announced the closure of minibus taxi routes following deadly clashes between rivals, Cape Amalgamated Taxi Association (Cata) and the Cape Organisation for the Democratic Taxi Association (Codeta).

The ranks in Khayelitsha, Mfuleni, Lwandle, Nomzamo, and Somerset West are the affected routes.

Mobility MEC Isaac Sileku said the decision, taken at a provincial Cabinet meeting on Friday, was “exceptionally difficult, " but to protect lives after repeated negotiations failed to resolve the impasse.

“Following careful consideration and a decision taken at Cabinet, the Western Cape Government has resolved to invoke Section 91 of the National Land Transport Act,” Sileku said.

From Wednesday, September 17, the following routes will be closed for 30 days:

• Route M18: Mfuleni – Somerset West
• Route 43: Lwandle – Khayelitsha via Somerset West
• Route 611: Khayelitsha – Somerset West
• Route X19: Nomzamo – Mfuleni
• Route AA20: Khayelitsha – Somerset West via Vergelegen
• Route R96: Khayelitsha – Somerset West via Somerset Mall
• Route AA21: Khayelitsha – Sitari Village Mall (drop-off)
• Route R97: Khayelitsha – Somerset West (drop-off only)
• Route YEX63: Mfuleni – Somerset West (drop-off only)
• Route YEX64: Mfuleni – Somerset West (drop-off only)

Specified lanes at taxi ranks in Khayelitsha, Makhaza, Mfuleni, Somerset West, Nomzamo, and Lwandle will also be shut.

Violence left at least seven people dead including the shooting of an off-duty police officer and taxi operator.

Sileku added: "Golden Arrow Bus Services and Metrorail trains will provide additional capacity to assist residents in getting to work and learners in getting to school, especially during this crucial school exam period.”

Cata responded to the decision: “This happens every time we have a conflict. It is quite sad because it will not only affect us financially, but also the commuters."

Codeta said: “It is important to note that as an association, we do not condone violence as a way to resolve disputes, and we particularly condemn it in all forms."

The association said government’s refusal to issue return permits from Somerset West to Khayelitsha, leaving Codeta to carry passengers one way and Cata the other was an issue.

ANC Mobility spokesperson and SACP provincial secretary Benson Ngentsu said the ANC caucus established a task team, led by former police and community safety MEC Leonard Ramatlakane, to mediate the impasse.

Get your news on the go, click here to join the Cape Argus News WhatsApp channel.

Cape Argus