After much contemplation and consideration the Western Cape’s MEC for Transport and Public Works, Daylin Mitchell, has decided to close the Paarl-Bellville taxi route (route B97) from Monday 26 July. The two taxi unions Cata and Codeta have been in conflict over the ownership of this route, which has been causing ‘murderous’ taxi violence in the province.
Mitchell’s decision comes after his the publication of his notice in the Government Gazelle on 9 July (Government Notice 416 of 2021) that Bellville and Paarl are areas in respect of which extraordinary measures in terms of Section 91 may be made. Before making the final call, Mitchell has been in consultation with the South African Police Services, the Western Cape Premier Alan Winde and the National Minister of Transport Fikile Mbalula.
“Route 97 is currently the main cause of conflict between Cata and Codeta, who both claim to have the right to operate on the route. Despite ongoing attempts to assist the two associations to find a lasting solution, they have yet to do so,” Mithcell added.
In terms of Section 91 the following will apply:
(a) Under section 91(2)(a) of the Act, all routes and ranks, including lanes and long distance route facilities situated at the Bellville Public Transport Interchange are closed for the operation of any minibus taxi-type service for a period of two months, commencing on 26 July 2021
(b) Under section 91(2)(b) of the Act, any operating licence or permit authorising any minibus taxi-type service on a closed route or at a closed rank contemplated in paragraph (a) is suspended for the duration of the closure period.
(c) Under section 91(2)(c) of the Act, and subject to paragraph (e), no person may, for the duration of the closure period, undertake any minibus taxi-type services on a closed route or at a closed rank contemplated in paragraph (a), or in terms of an operating licence or permit suspended as contemplated in paragraph (b).
(d) Under section 91(5) of the Act, a current minibus taxi operator who contravenes this Notice, or fails to comply therewith, commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine of R5000 or to imprisonment for a period not exceeding six months.
(e) Under section 91(6) of the Act, a temporary permit may be issued to an operator of a motor vehicle, minibus or minibus to operate a minibus service taxi-type service, or to an operator of a bus to operate a bus service, on a closed route or at a closed rank during the closure period in a substitution for the prohibited services contemplated in paragraph (a).
