CAPE TOWN – The Western Cape Mobility Department has welcomed a landmark court ruling that permanently prohibits violence and unlawful operations in the province’s minibus taxi industry, with the aim at bringing an end to months of deadly conflict that threatened commuter safety.
The Western Cape High Court on Tuesday made permanent an earlier interim order aimed at curbing violence, intimidation, and illegal activities within the taxi industry, following a protracted legal battle between Provincial Minister for Mobility Isaac Sileku and rival taxi associations.
The ruling specifically targets ongoing disputes between the Cape Amalgamated Taxi Association (CATA) and the Cape Organisation for the Democratic Taxi Association (CODETA), which have been locked in a violent struggle over the contested M18 route connecting Mfuleni and Somerset West.
Sileku approached the court earlier this year after violence between the rival associations escalated dramatically from June 2025, resulting in several fatalities and continued threats to public safety. Despite multiple attempts at mediation, the conflict intensified, prompting authorities to seek legal intervention.
An interim interdict was initially granted in August, but violent incidents continued to plague the industry, with the most recent occurring as late as October.
“This decision sends a clear message: the rule of law must prevail and the safety of commuters must come first,” the Mobility Department stated. “Taxi associations are required to comply with all operating licence conditions. Failure to comply with this ruling will result in legal consequences.”
Speaking about the court’s decision, Sileku highlighted the significance of the ruling for everyday commuters who rely on minibus taxis for transportation.
“This order is a victory for every commuter who deserves to travel safely and without fear,” Sileku said. “Violence and lawlessness have no place in our transport system. We will continue to work with law enforcement and industry stakeholders to ensure that the rights of commuters are protected and that the taxi industry operates within the bounds of the law.”
The Western Cape Mobility Department has outlined its vision for the future of the province’s minibus taxi industry, with focus on safety, reliability, and proper regulation.
“We commend our legal team for their diligent work and reiterate our commitment to working with all stakeholders to ensure a safe, reliable, and regulated public transport system,” Sileku concluded. “Together, we can build a minibus taxi industry that serves the people of the Western Cape with dignity and respect.”
The permanent court order is a significant step toward restoring stability in an industry that provides essential transportation services to millions of commuters across the Western Cape. The ruling ensures that taxi associations must operate within legal boundaries and prioritise passenger safety above territorial disputes.
Industry observers expect the decision to have far-reaching implications for how taxi associations conduct their operations, potentially serving as a model for addressing similar conflicts in other provinces.
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