The Mini-Bus Taxi Task Team (MBTTT) came together yesterday (Thursday 12 June), in a special meeting amid conflict that flared up between operators in Somerset West and Mfuleni in the past weeks.
A joint statement released by the Western Cape Government, the City of Cape Town and South African National Taxi Council (Santaco) Western Cape, stated that while the circumstances bringing the committee together are deeply troubling, the session proceeded with meaningful engagement as the situation was reviewed.
The statement divulged:
“Historical context, where things stand today, and potential scenarios for a mutually agreeable and positive way forward were discussed. Resolving this complex matter is a process and stakeholder representatives have committed to continued discussions to find resolution as soon as possible over the next week. The immediate priority is to see services and calm restored in the Somerset West and Mfuleni precincts, while solutions are sought.”
The meeting was held after taxi associations Codeta and Cata condemned escalating tensions over disputed operator routes that led to a disruptive blockade in Somerset West on Monday (9 June), stranding commuters and prompting authorities to deploy police and appoint a mediator, while investigators examine possible connections to recent fatal shootings in Mfuleni and Lwandle (“Taxi dispute erupts in Somerset West,” DistrictMail & Helderberg Gazette, 11 June).
The statement further reassured that the MBTTT remains united in its commitment to the safety and mobility of commuters, and will be engaging consistently to find common ground once more.
The MBTTT comprises representatives of the City, provincial government, and Santaco Western Cape.
The Mini-Bus Taxi Task Team held a special meeting on Thursday amid conflict between Somerset West and Mfuleni operators, engaging in meaningful discussions to restore services and calm in affected areas while working toward resolving route disputes that recently led to a disruptive blockade and possible connection to fatal shootings.
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