Taxi route closures to come into effect

The South African National Taxi Council (Santaco) Western Cape expressed mixed emotions as disputed taxi routes are set to be closed on Wednesday, with the aim to curb violence and instability in the public transport sector.

The Western Cape government invoked Section 91 of the National Land Transport Act as a result of the bloody dispute between rival taxi associations Cape Amalgamated Taxi Associations (CATA) and the Cape Organisation for the Democratic Taxi Association (Codeta) over the Somerset West-Khayelitsha corridor. 

Santoca said in statement: “We receive this decision with both sadness and understanding.

“Sadness, because of the long-lasting impact it will have on the livelihoods of taxi operators and their families, as well as the businesses that sustain our industry. 

“At the same time, we understand that the measure was taken in the interest of protecting lives, amid mounting violence and instability linked to our sector.”

Affected routes include M18 (Mfuleni – Somerset West), 43 (Lwandle – Khayelitsha via Somerset West), 611 (Khayelitsha – Somerset West), and several others, including specified lanes at ranks in Khayelitsha, Makhaza, Mfuleni, Somerset West, Nomzamo, and Lwandle.

Authorities, including SAPS, the City of Cape Town’s law enforcement, and Provincial Traffic, will enforce the closures with visible policing to ensure commuter safety. 

The City of Cape Town’s Safety and Security Directorate said it will establish a Joint Operations Centre to monitor taxi routes in Somerset West and surrounds.

To report any safety concerns or incidents to our Public Emergency Communication Centre (PECC) by dialing 021 480 7700 from a cellphone or 107 from a landline.