The Western Cape Mobility Ministry has officially reopened six critical taxi routes in the Somerset West area, ending a 30-day closure imposed after a series of fatal shootings claimed several lives.
The closure, which began in mid-September, affected routes between Nomzamo, Khayelitsha, the Mfuleni area, and Somerset West. The Ministry stated the drastic measure was necessary to protect commuters and ensure public safety amid ongoing violence within the taxi industry.
The reopening follows lengthy negotiations between the two rival taxi associations, Coda (Codeta) and the Cape Amalgamated Taxi Association (Cata), who were given a 24-hour ultimatum by the department to reach an agreement. The Ministry had been on the verge of extending the closure for another month before the breakthrough.
In an interview, the chairperson of Codeta, Mr. Nceba Enge, expressed relief at the resolution. “We are so happy that the minister did not extend [the closure] and that we have started operating today,” he stated. He acknowledged the severe impact the closure had on commuters, who faced increased travel costs and were “being robbed” while being forced to seek alternative transport, often arriving late for work.
Mr. Enge confirmed that while the two associations did not always “see eye to eye,” they were committed to ongoing discussions. He highlighted a key development from the negotiations: the department’s commitment to developing a new policy.
“They said they’re going to develop a policy whereby a township to township will be a drop off and township to an industrial area will then be a return,” Mr. Enge explained. “I think that policy will end violence in the industry because a person will know that if I’m taking people from Khayelitsha to an industrial area then I have to return with those people back to Khayelitsha.”
The chairperson urged commuters to “be calm and be resilient,” assuring them that the associations have committed to resolving future disputes through dialogue. “We have said very clear that no violence should take place again. Everything should be discussed,” he said.
To help maintain the fragile peace, the national taxi umbrella body, SANTACO, has launched a Peace Ambassador program. The initiative places ambassadors along disputed routes to monitor activities and mediate tensions. Mr. Enge voiced support for the program, stating, “The peace ambassador program is going to assist us a lot,” and described its structure as “very good.”
With the routes now operational, the Western Cape Mobility Ministry has confirmed that law enforcement operations in the area will be increased. The reopening brings significant relief to thousands of commuters and residents, though authorities and industry leaders acknowledge the continued need for vigilance and sustained dialogue to prevent a recurrence of the violence.
