The South African National Taxi Council (Santaco) in the Western Cape has responded with both sorrow and acceptance to the provincial government’s decision to shut down contested taxi routes. The closures, which take effect on Wednesday, follow mounting bloodshed linked to rival associations and are intended to bring stability to one of the province’s most volatile public transport corridors.
Provincial Action to Halt Violence
The Western Cape government has invoked Section 91 of the National Land Transport Act, an extraordinary measure that allows for the suspension of routes where safety is at risk. The decision stems from an escalating conflict between the Cape Amalgamated Taxi Association (CATA) and the Cape Organisation for the Democratic Taxi Association (Codeta). At the heart of the dispute lies the Somerset West–Khayelitsha corridor, a lucrative and heavily contested stretch of road.
Santaco’s Measured Response
In a formal statement, Santaco acknowledged the difficulty of the decision while recognising the urgency of the safety concerns.
The organisation went further, stressing the economic and human toll:
At the same time, Santaco conceded that protecting the lives of commuters and operators had to remain the top priority.
Routes Under Closure
The affected lines include the M18 route between:
- Mfuleni and Somerset West,
- Route 43 between Lwandle and Khayelitsha via Somerset West, and
- Route 611 between Khayelitsha and Somerset West.
- Additional closures extend to specific lanes at taxi ranks in Khayelitsha, Makhaza, Mfuleni, Somerset West, Nomzamo, and Lwandle.
For thousands of commuters who rely on these services daily, the closures are likely to cause major disruptions. Questions remain about whether alternative transport arrangements will be put in place and how soon affected families may see relief.
Law Enforcement Strategy
Authorities have promised heightened visibility on the ground. The South African Police Service, together with the City of Cape Town’s law enforcement and Provincial Traffic officers, will enforce the closures. The aim is to prevent flare-ups of violence and to reassure commuters who have been caught in the crossfire of turf battles.
The City of Cape Town has also announced that its Safety and Security Directorate will establish a Joint Operations Centre. This facility will monitor routes in Somerset West and surrounding communities, coordinating efforts to ensure compliance and rapid responses to any violent incidents.
Public Reporting Measures
Officials are urging the public to remain vigilant. Commuters who witness safety threats or incidents linked to the closures are encouraged to contact the Public Emergency Communication Centre (PECC). Calls can be made by dialling 021 480 7700 from a mobile phone or 107 from a landline.
The closures represent a significant intervention by provincial authorities, underscoring both the scale of the crisis and the difficulty of balancing safety with livelihoods. While Santaco has expressed sadness at the economic impact, the acknowledgement of the necessity for action reflects the gravity of the situation. For now, the province waits to see whether the closures will calm tensions—or whether the dispute between CATA and Codeta will resurface elsewhere.
