Members of the Cape Amalgamated Taxi Association (Cata) and the Cape Organisation for the Democratic Taxi Association (Codeta) have vowed to strengthen their relationship in an effort to maintain peace in the taxi industry. Both held a media briefing at Nyanga Taxi Rank on Monday 4 May to address challenges facing the sector.

Codeta spokesperson Makhosandile Tumana described the gathering as a follow-up to the march held by Cata members in March, during which they handed a memorandum of their grievances to Nyanga Police Station.

Taxi associations strengthen working relationship

He said the briefing was intended to demonstrate to the public that the two organisations are united.

“Cata invited us to their offices to discuss the challenges we are encountering in the industry. We want to solidify our working relationship and stop fighting each other. If there is a problem within our association Cata has the right to intervene and try to resolve it, and vice versa. We are saying no more violence in the taxi industry.”

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He also urged government to assist in sustaining the agreement between the two associations.

Cata spokesperson Nkululeko Sityebi said the agreement ensured neither association make decisions without informing the other.

Soccer tournaments promote unity among drivers

“We are trying by all means to ensure the agreement does not only bind the top leadership structures, but also members at all levels of both associations. That is why we organise soccer tournaments for our drivers to play together. Cata is often in the media for the wrong reasons and we want to change that narrative by doing positive things.”

DA Western Cape welcomes breakthrough agreement

Democratic Alliance Western Cape spokesperson on Mobility Prof Nomafrench Mbombo welcomed the agreement between Cata and Codeta, describing it as a decisive step towards ending years of conflict between two of the province’s largest taxi associations.

“The agreement commits both associations to working together to end killings, rebuild trust, and create a safer, more sustainable operating environment. This marks a significant breakthrough in an industry relied upon daily by millions of residents across the province. People depend on taxis to get to work, school, health-care facilities and other essential services. When the industry is unsafe and unreliable it creates instability that places both innocent lives and livelihoods at risk.”