The Western Cape government and the City of Cape Town will step up their fight against ongoing taxi violence that has killed people, terrorised communities and left thousands of commuters stranded.

Western Cape Minister of Mobility Isaac Sileku and the City’s Mayoral Committee member for Urban Mobility Rob Quintas met with the South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO) Western Cape and the Cape Organisation for the Democratic Taxi Association (CODETA) today to hammer out urgent solutions.

The talks come after a fresh wave of shootings linked to disputes between rival taxi associations over routes and operating rights.

Missing from crucial talks

The Cape Amalgamated Taxi Association (CATA) did not attend the meeting, citing prior commitments outside the province. Government officials said the no-show is deeply disappointing given the deaths and chaos gripping communities.

Sileku made it clear authorities will no longer tolerate violence over route disputes.

“No dispute over commercial interests can justify bloodshed, intimidation or the disruption of essential public transport services,” he said.

The provincial government and the City will now combine their efforts through legal intervention, tougher regulations and increased law enforcement. The Office of the Premier now forms part of the coordinated response.

SANTACO Western Cape and CODETA both acknowledged the crisis and agreed stability must return urgently.

What happens next

Officials have arranged another meeting for Monday, 2 November, which must include CATA and CODETA leadership to resolve outstanding disputes.

The Department of Mobility will continue its investigation into alleged violations by identified taxi associations and will file an urgent court application to clarify operating rights.

The City has committed to keeping a strong law enforcement presence in affected areas and will support the province’s legal action.

The Department of Mobility is also exploring alternative transport services should taxi operations face further disruption.

Premier Alan Winde said law enforcement agencies must work together to bring the situation under control and arrest those responsible.

“Where issues arise among taxi groupings, they must be dealt with within the confines of the law. But if taxi leaders are not prepared to negotiate peacefully, they must expect authorities to take the requisite steps to bring order and the rule of law to the taxi sector,” he said.

“We recognise the importance of the taxi industry in the broader public transport environment. But we will never condone violence that puts commuters and other members of the public in danger.”

Sileku added that residents cannot continue to live in fear or be left stranded because of taxi disputes.

“We need an end to the violence, and we expect all taxi leaders to take responsibility for restoring peace and stability,” he said.

Matric exams under threat

Western Cape Minister of Education Jaco Londt said the violence threatens the safety of teachers and learners, especially those writing National Senior Certificate (NSC) exams.

“We are especially worried about the impact on the National Senior Certificate exams. The WCED’s exam teams have well-established contingency plans for any potential disruptions — from weather and power outages to gang activity and protests,” he said.

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The department works closely with officers and safety structures to ensure safe passage for learners, with police visibility where needed.

Learners can contact 0800 45 46 47, the Safe Schools Centre, to get support.

Police resources stretched

Western Cape Minister of Police Oversight and Community Safety Anroux Marais said it is unacceptable that already stretched policing resources must repeatedly be diverted from communities plagued by gang violence.

“Our residents deserve consistent protection, particularly in areas where violent crime continues to claim lives. We commend the officers and the City of Cape Town’s enforcement agencies for their coordinated planning and integrated deployments to stabilise the situation,” she said.

The government says repeated discussions cannot replace decisive action.

The message is clear: the violence must end, those responsible for unlawful conduct must face consequences, and the safety of commuters will not be compromised.

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