Codeta decries costly closure of taxi routes closures amid ongoing disputes

THE Cape Organisation for the Democratic Taxi Association (Codeta) took its battle to have the 10 contentious taxi routes reopened to the Western Cape High Court on Tuesday, arguing that they were losing millions.

Commuters were also being robbed daily while forced to use Golden Arrow buses instead of taxis, according to the association's  urgent application. Codeta is currently locked in a tense dispute with  rival Cape Amalgamated Taxi Association (Cata) over the routes.

It argued that the Western Cape Department of Mobility’s decision to close the routes for 30 days, following deadly clashes between Codeta and Cata, was crippling its business and leaving commuters stranded.

The clashes over the Khayelitsha, Mfuleni, and Lwandle–Somerset West routes left six people dead.

Mobility MEC Isaac Sileku attended the court as lawyers for Codeta presented their case.

He rejected their claims, saying there had been no official complaints about robberies or lateness at work due to the alternative transport provided.

“Instead of finding an amicable solution, they are wasting time in court,” said Sileku. “From our side, we have not received a single report of commuters being robbed or intimidated. We made additional transport arrangements so that people could get to work and fulfil their daily duties. It is very disappointing that they chose to fight in court instead of resolving the issue.”

Sileku also dismissed suggestions that he acted improperly by announcing the closures before consulting the Cabinet.

“The National Land Transport Act is clear; I have the mandate and responsibility to close routes. Informing the Cabinet was about courtesy, not seeking approval. The decision lies with me as MEC for Mobility,” he said.

He emphasised that the closures aimed to save lives rather than punish the taxi industry.

“We have lost lives. If we had not taken this decision, there would be no order in the industry. The government acted to protect people. The associations must come to the table and find a lasting solution instead of wasting money on litigation while commuters are inconvenienced.”

Codeta, however, insisted that the closures were unjustified.

Association leader Edgar Mohale said commuters were experiencing real hardships.

“They [the department] are not on the ground with the people who go to work every day,” Mohale argued.

“Commuters come to our offices in Khayelitsha and say they get robbed, they arrive late, and the buses are overcrowded. The daily reality is being denied.”

Mohale further claimed that Codeta and Cata had been operating peacefully in the disputed routes before the closures.

“We had been operating for three weeks without violence or shootings. Then the MEC suddenly closed the routes. There was no reason for that step. We have no issues with Cata; we are brothers, and we were working together. It is the government playing delay tactics.”

Codeta leaders told the media that the association had lost more than R3 million in the past 14 days due to the shutdown.

“We have operators with 10 or more taxis who still have to pay instalments, but now have no income. Drivers have not been paid for two weeks, and they have families to feed. In total, we have lost R3,276,000, and we hope we do not lose more,” said one member.

The matter is expected to be heard again on Saturday.

Cape Times