Codeta chairperson Nceba Enge abd Cata chairperson Nkululeko Sityebi shaking hands after announcing the peace deal.
Image: Phiri Cawe
Two of the Western Cape’s largest taxi associations — the Cape Amalgamated Taxi Association (CATA) and the Congress of Democratic Taxi Association (Codeta) — met on Monday to sign a peace agreement aimed at ending years of violence between the rival groups.
Heavily guarded taxi leaders gathered at offices in Nyanga, where they held a joint press briefing following the signing.
Both associations committed to working together to end killings in the taxi industry.
The associations said the agreement paves the way for safer public transport in the Western Cape and a more sustainable business environment.
CATA chairperson Mandla Sityebi said that after lengthy deliberations it became clear that peace was essential for both improved livelihoods and a stable industry.
He described the agreement as a breakthrough following numerous dialogues between representatives of the two organisations. As a sign of goodwill, the associations had hosted a joint soccer tournament.
“After such a long time of ongoing violence in the industry — particularly involving the two mother bodies, CATA and Codeta — we acknowledge that we have often been at the centre of the conflict in the province. We want to leave a better legacy for our children and families. We do not want women to feel they must leave the industry if their husbands are killed. We have decided to learn from each other and admit that we have contributed to the violence,” he said.
Codeta president Fikile George and Cata president Siviwe Kiva after the media briefing.
Image: Phiri Cawe
Sityebi added that some of the violence within CATA had been driven by its own members, which led the association to previously open cases with the police.
He welcomed the positive response from both government and law enforcement, saying CATA values the growing relationship with the authorities.
He noted that the peace deal was driven by the leadership of both associations, adding that in his 15 years in the industry, this was the first time CATA and Codeta had formally sat together in Nyanga to reach such an agreement.
Codeta chairperson Nceba Enge said the two associations are making a concerted effort to rebuild relations and demonstrate to the broader community that they are serious about peace. He said his visit to CATA’s offices in Nyanga underscored their commitment to resolving longstanding challenges.
Enge noted that the associations would also work together to address key industry issues, including operating licences. He noted that in 2023, they jointly opposed certain licence conditions imposed by the government and indicated that collaboration would continue in addressing such matters.
Codeta president Fikile George acknowledged the difficulty of leading in an environment marked by violence.
“It has been hard to lead while people are dying. Now, there will be no more bloodshed. We are working together, and we want peace in this industry,” he said.
CATA president Siviwe Kiva reaffirmed his association’s commitment to peace while acknowledging internal resistance.
He condemned individuals he described as selfish, intolerant, and driven by greed, saying such attitudes had fuelled division and conflict.
Cape Times