The Western Cape High Court has made a ruling to enhance safety in the minibus taxi industry, ensuring safer travel for residents during the festive season. As Santaco Western Cape prioritises safer long-distance taxi travel this festive season, the Western Cape High Court’s decision for the earlier interim order aimed to curb violence and intimidation within the minibus industry has been made permanent. The news has been welcomed by residents – who are calling on associations, Cape Organisation for the Democratic Taxi Association (Codeta) and Cape Amalgamated Taxi Association (Cata) to reassure them they will be safe as the festive season is in full swing.
On Thursday, the South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO) Western Cape coincidentally launched its focused Festive Road Safety Activation at the Site-C Long Distance Taxi Rank in Khayelitsha, under the theme Putting driver wellness first. The Western Cape Mobility Department said it welcomes the Western Cape High Court’s decision on December 10 in the matter between the Provincial Minister for Mobility and the Cape Amalgamated Taxi Association (CATA) and others. The ruling has made permanent the earlier interim order aimed at curbing violence, intimidation, and unlawful operations within the minibus taxi industry.
In October Cata taxi owner, Mzukisi Zwakala, 44, and two others became the latest casualties of the violence and bloodshed when police were called to the scene in Lwandle. The shooting came shortly after the reopening of taxi routes between Khayelitsha, Mfuleni and Somerset West after a month-long shutdown due to violent clashes between the rival associations. The closure of the routes followed six fatalities linked to the disputes.
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Western Cape Mobility Mec, Isaac Sileku, approached the court earlier this year following ongoing conflict between rival associations, particularly over the contested M18 route between Mfuleni and Somerset West. Despite attempts to mediate, violence escalated from June onward, leading to several fatalities and continued threats to public safety. A temporary interdict was granted in August , but violent incidents persisted, including as recently as October.
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