Santaco Western Cape spokesperson Makhosandile Tumana called for calm after violent clashes in the province’s taxi industry resulted in three fatalities in Khayelitsha on 10 November 2026. The continued unrest is centred on disputes between the Cape Amalgamated Taxi Association (CATA) and the Congress of Democratic Taxi Associations (Codeta), particularly affecting routes between Delft, Mutual, and Epping.
Following a five-hour meeting on 10 November, stakeholders agreed that only taxis with valid operating permits should service the affected routes. The Western Cape government confirmed that CATA and Codeta had agreed to an independently facilitated process aimed at resolving their disputes, with mediation processes already underway.
It worries us as Santaco in the province because we (are) all wishing that the people must work in peace and harmony in all our areas, particularly in Delft,” Tumana said, highlighting the toll the violence takes on both commuters and drivers. “The people who are suffering most of the time are our commuters and our drivers.”
On 2 November, CATA and Codeta met with officials from the Western Cape Mobility Department, the City of Cape Town, and Santaco, committing to a week of calm during mediation, as confirmed by the City. An interim interdict was obtained by the department against the two associations to curb further violence.
Western Cape Mobility Minister Isaac Sileku described the recent meeting as a “positive step towards ending taxi violence,” while Santaco’s national spokesperson Mmatshikhidi Rebecca emphasised that “the protection of human life must remain paramount.” Despite these efforts, reports from Eyewitness News on 11 November indicate violence continues, with a taxi driver shot dead and three passengers wounded in Khayelitsha a day after a national Santaco meeting with rival associations.
The ongoing conflict disrupts daily transport services and poses significant risks to communities along key Cape Town transport corridors. Previous attempts to broker peace between CATA and Codeta have faced challenges, with Santaco calling for a sustained commitment to dialogue and lawful operation within the industry.
With the winter months approaching and commuter demand rising, the stability of taxi services remains critical. Authorities and industry leaders continue to pursue mediation and legal interventions to halt the violence and restore safe public transport in the Western Cape.
CapeFlats.co.za will continue monitoring developments and will provide updates as new information emerges from SAPS and local authorities on the conflict’s progress and related interventions.