The Western Cape Provincial Government has temporarily closed the Somerset West taxi rank in a drastic move to curb the deadly violence plaguing the minibus taxi industry. The closure, which came into effect at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, will last for 24 hours, with authorities prepared to extend it if necessary.
The decision, confirmed by the province’s Mobility MEC, Isaac Sileku, in a radio interview, follows a recent spate of shootings, including an incident in Macassar yesterday that left two taxi operators dead and a 55-year-old female passenger wounded.
MEC Sileku stated that the closure was initiated by the South African Police Service (SAPS) as part of a broader government effort to restore “calm and stability.” He expressed deep frustration at the industry’s cycle of violence, which he described as an “old story” where operators and associations resort to exchanging guns instead of resolving disputes through dialogue.
“This is totally unacceptable in this day and age,” Sileku said. “We condemn this lawlessness… we are not going to appreciate people killing each other for nothing in our province.”
The closure is a direct response to the failure of a peace summit held on August 4th, where the government and industry leaders had aimed to find a lasting solution. Sileku acknowledged that the summit was not a “silver bullet” and pointed to “rogue elements” within the industry who are sabotaging peace efforts.
To mitigate the impact on commuters, the MEC assured that contingency measures are being put in place. These include utilizing alternative transport, such as the state-subsidized Golden Arrow bus service, to ensure people can still get to work, school, and healthcare facilities.
The provincial government is also pursuing longer-term regulatory action. Sileku revealed that his department is preparing to issue a Section 91 notice, a legal precursor that could lead to the suspension or even permanent closure of the most volatile routes and ranks. A final determination on these suspensions is expected by September 3rd.
Despite the deeply entrenched nature of the conflict, often rooted in competition over lucrative routes, MEC Sileku remained resolute. Drawing a parallel to South Africa’s struggle for democracy, he expressed confidence that peace is achievable.
“We can never abandon the fight for peace within the minibus taxi industry,” he stated. “We are going to do whatever necessary to make sure that we bring peace and stability.”
