The Department of Mobility in the Western Cape intends to extend the extraordinary measures to close several minibus taxi routes to and from Somerset West and Lwandle, as well as lanes at specific taxi ranks in these areas.
The department employed the extraordinary measures on Wednesday 17 September, closing 10 taxi routes and several lanes for 30 days.
The 30-day period ends on Thursday 16 October.
The drastic step, in accordance with Section 91 of the National Land Transport Act (NLTA), was taken following a violent and deadly taxi route dispute between rival taxi associations Cata and Codeta.
ALSO READ: Taxi troubles: Drastic steps taken to force end to deadly route squabble
In a statement released late on Thursday afternoon, the department said provincial mobility minister Isaac Sileku has published a notice of intent to extend the extraordinary measures for a further 30 days.
The routes that were shut down are:
- Route M18: Mfuleni to Somerset West;
- Route 43: Lwandle to Khayelitsha via Somerset West;
- Route 611: Khayelitsha to Somerset West;
- Route X19: Nomzamo to Mfuleni;
- Route AA20: Khayelitsha to Somerset West via Vergelegen;
- Route R96: Khayelitsha to Somerset West via Somerset Mall;
- Route AA21: Khayelitsha to Sitari Village Mall (drop-off);
- Route R97: Khayelitsha to Somerset West (drop-off only);
- Route YEX63: Mfuleni to Somerset West (drop-off only); and
- Route YEX64: Mfuleni to Somerset West (drop-off only).
The feuding taxi associations have 24 hours to comment on the notice.
On Thursday 9 October, the Western Cape High Court dismissed Codeta’s urgent interdict application against the closure of the taxi routes and lanes, upholding the lawfulness of the invocation of Section 91 of the NLTA.
ALSO READ: Western Cape Mobility Minister welcomes court ruling on Codeta interdict
According to the department, Sileku’s decision to extend the extraordinary measures follows recent engagements between the affected taxi associations, who have apparently “shown intent and commitment toward reaching a sustainable and peaceful resolution”.
“The decision to file a notice of intent extending the extraordinary measures is a proactive and precautionary step while dialogue continues,” Sileku pointed out, adding that the shut down has been effective in restoring peace and safeguarding lives on the affected routes over the last 29 days.
“We have seen no further acts of violence or disruptions since these measures were first implemented. This period has created the necessary space for both associations to engage constructively in pursuit of lasting peace.
“We will continue to closely monitor the situation and urge both associations to intensify their efforts to reach an agreement. Our collective aim remains to protect lives, promote safety, and stability in the public transport sector.”
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