Western Cape taxi leaders urge peace amid violence
The presidents of the two biggest taxi rivalries in the province, Siviwe Kiva and Fikile George, agreed that violence has no place in the taxi industry.
Image: Phiri Cawe
The Western Cape taxi industry has renewed urgent calls for peace, warning that continued violence could damage both the sector’s reputation and its ability to operate effectively.
Leaders from the province’s two largest taxi associations, the Cape Amalgamated Taxi Association (CATA) and the Congress of Democratic Taxi Associations (CODETA), gathered in Khayelitsha on Wednesday, to introduce the newly elected provincial leadership of the South African National Taxi Council (Santaco).
Addressing the gathering, leaders from both associations cautioned that ongoing disputes are placing innocent lives at risk. They stressed that the safety of commuters, drivers, and women should never be compromised.
Codeta chairperson Nceba Enge condemned the violence between rival groups, stating that it continues to undermine growth and development in the industry.
Violence linked to rivalry between taxi groupings has claimed the lives of several taxi owners and drivers in recent years, with disputes over routes often cited as the main cause of the deadly clashes. He urged the new Santaco leadership to confront long-standing challenges facing operators, including vehicle impoundments, route licensing issues, and heavy fines.
“We need to give clear direction and proposals to the Santaco leadership on how to address the challenges facing the taxi industry in the Western Cape,” said Enge.
Enge called on members to adhere strictly to their organisations’ constitutions and policies, warning that deviation often leads to instability. He urged leaders to take responsibility for maintaining discipline and preventing internal divisions.
Outgoing Santaco provincial chairperson Mandla Hermanus echoed the call for peace, encouraging the new leadership to prioritise unity in all engagements.
The newly elected Santaco leadership was urged to guard against violent acts in the taxi industry.
Image: Phiri Cawe
Hermanus also warned operators about new municipal bylaws targeting reckless driving, stating that the taxi industry would be among the most affected.
In closing, both associations committed themselves to ending the violence that has long plagued the sector.
Incoming Santaco provincial chairperson Besuthu Ndungane said his leadership’s mandate would be to ensure that disputes are resolved without the use of firearms.
He stressed that violence harms not only those directly involved but also the broader commuting public.
Former Santaco member Junaid Peters cautioned the new leadership against external influence and dishonest engagement, warning that without strong and principled leadership, violence would persist.
“You can hold many summits, but without honesty and leadership, there will be no progress. Unity is essential if we want a future for this industry,” he said.
Taxi operators and owners packed the Mew Way hall in Khayelitsha to listen to their bosses.
Image: Phiri Cawe