By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The Western Cape High Court has granted an urgent interim interdict to the Western Cape Pronvincial Government in a move to curtail escalating violence linked to taxi associations.
The intedict comes-in as a response to the series of violent incidents occurring in Mfuleni, Somerset West, Nomzamo, and Lwandle, which have led to loss of life and significant unrest among commuters and taxi operators.
The interim interdict takes immediate effect and aims to protect the safety of commuters, transport operators, and the general public.
The court order is set to remain in effect until 9 October 2025, at which point the court will determine whether to extend it permanently.
This legal action has been deemed imperative after ongoing disputes between various taxi associations, particularly CATA and CODETA, sparked chaos and fear within the community.
Western Cape Mobility Minister, Isaac Sileku said, “Violence and lawlessness cannot be allowed to endanger the lives of commuters, operators, and our residents. This court order gives us the legal authority to act decisively to protect our communities and restore stability in the affected areas. Every commuter has the right to travel without fear, and we will work closely with law enforcement agencies to ensure full compliance with the order.”
“We welcome this urgent interdict. While it was an act of last resort, it is an important step towards stabilising the current situation. But more critically, we urge these taxi associations to return to negotiations to meaningfully engage and find a lasting solution.
The taxi industry is the biggest public transporter of people in South Africa and completes an estimation of approximately 15 million per day across the country.
Meanwhile Santaco announced that it was halting its operations around Ekurhuleni in connection with the taxi operators’ unhappiness with the impounding of vehicles by law enforcement officials.
Santaco Gauteng secretary Graham Fritz said the provincial and national leadership of the council is actively engaged in constructive dialogue aimed at resolving the outstanding matters.
“We are also in ongoing dialogue with both the Gauteng provincial government and the national transport ministry to ensure these issues are resolved speedily and amicably. We remain committed to finding a sustainable solution through negotiation,” he said.
“Santaco Gauteng once again offers its sincerest apologies to commuters and reaffirms its dedication to ensuring the smooth and reliable flow of transport across the province.”
He said an update on taxi services in the Ekurhuleni region will be communicated as soon as a decision has been reached.