TAXI RIVALS MAKE PEACE

THE Western Cape government yesterday announced an end to the bloody taxi conflict that claimed the lives of at least eight mense.

The violence erupted on Friday, 6 June, when gunmen opened fire on the Cape Organisation for the Democratic Taxi Association (Codeta) office at a taxi rank in Mfuleni, killing four people.

There were suspected retaliatory attacks on Cape Amalgamated Taxi Associations (Cata) members as the chaos spread to Strand.

However, Cata and Codeta agreed to join hands with the provincial government to resolve their dispute over the lucrative Mfuleni–Somerset and Khayelitsha–Somerset routes.

In a statement, the Western Cape Mobility Department said: “At the core of this agreement lies the pressing need for a safe, reliable, and properly functioning public transport system, one that prioritises the interests of commuters.

“The Western Cape Government remains committed to working alongside the industry, to foster collaboration, and promoted structured engagements that advance the wellbeing of all who rely on public transport in this province.”

Cata spokesperson Nkululeko Sityebi was quoted as saying: “We believe that from now on, we will never come across something as bad as what has happened.

“I also believe that it’s high time that the industry does more engagements than these types of [violent] acts that are happening.”

Codeta counterpart Makhosandile Tumana said: “We hope that our members will commit themselves to keeping all the agreements between these two associations.”

Western Cape Mobility Minister Isaac Sileku said: “We commend all parties involved for prioritising commuter safety and for reaffirming their shared responsibility to uphold peace and order within the taxi industry.

“This agreement is a testament to what is possible when collective leadership and dialogue places the people of this province first.”

Meanwhile, the Mobility Department also announced the release of 1 106 new operating licences for metered and e-hailing taxi services in Cape Town.

Spokesperson Muneera Allie confirmed that this will bring the total to 6 600 vehicles operating on City paaie.