Taxi route closures lead to R3 million loss for Codeta amid rivalries

The Cape Organisation for the Democratic Taxi Association (Codeta) has informed the Western Cape High Court that commuters are suffering due to the closure of ten contentious taxi routes.

The association claims it is losing millions as a result.

In an urgent application on Tuesday, Codeta stated that commuters are being robbed daily while forced to use Golden Arrow buses instead of taxis, as the association and its rival, the Cape Amalgamated Taxi Association (Cata), have yet to reconcile.

Codeta argued that the Western Cape Department of Mobility’s decision to close the routes for 30 days, following deadly clashes between Codeta and Cata, was crippling its business and leaving commuters stranded.

The clashes over the Khayelitsha, Mfuleni, and Lwandle–Somerset West routes left six people dead.

Mobility MEC Isaac Sileku attended the court as lawyers for Codeta presented their case.

But he rejected their claims, saying there had been no official complaints about robberies or lateness at work due to the alternative transport provided.

“Instead of finding an amicable solution, they are wasting time in court,” said Sileku. “From our side, we have not received a single report of commuters being robbed or intimidated. We made additional transport arrangements so that people could get to work and fulfil their daily duties. It is very disappointing that they chose to fight in court instead of resolving the issue.”

Sileku also dismissed suggestions that he acted improperly by announcing the closures before consulting the Cabinet.

“The National Land Transport Act is clear; I have the mandate and responsibility to close routes. Informing the Cabinet was about courtesy, not seeking approval. The decision lies with me as MEC for Mobility,” he said.

He emphasised that the closures aimed to save lives rather than punish the taxi industry.

Codeta, however, insisted that the closures were unjustified.

Association leader Edgar Mohale said commuters were experiencing real hardships.

“They [the department] are not on the ground with the people who go to work every day,” Mohale argued.

“Commuters come to our offices in Khayelitsha and say they get robbed, they arrive late, and the buses are overcrowded. The daily reality is being denied.”

Mohale further claimed that Codeta and Cata had been operating peacefully in the disputed routes before the closures.

Codeta leaders told the media that the association had lost more than R3 million in the past 14 days due to the shutdown.

Despite the standoff, Sileku repeated his call for dialogue. The matter is expected to be heard again on Saturday.

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Cape Argus