Cape Town taxi ranks operating normally after week of violence - IOL

It was business as usual on Monday, as commuters could make use of taxis across Cape Town to get to their various destinations.

The Monday morning commute in Cape Town ran smoothly after the taxi violence experienced last week. 

There is currently an ongoing fight between the two biggest taxi associations, CATA and CODETA, in which serval lives have been lost and many people injured. It also left commuters stranded last week as people avoided using taxis for transport.

The City of Cape Town’s Mayoral Committee Member for Urban Mobility, Councillor Rob Quintas, said that as of early Monday, taxi ranks and stations across the City have been operating normally. 

“Those relying on minibus taxis and other forms of public transport are making their journeys to their places of education, work and other destinations. The South African Police Service (SAPS), City and provincial safety services are continuing their high visibility and surveillance operations of various routes, ranks and stations. A stable and peaceful transport system where commuters, operators and public transport drivers feel safe keeps Cape Town moving,” Quintas said. 

A meeting is expected on Monday with City of Cape Town officials, the South African Taxi Council, and the warring taxi associations. 

Last week, CODETA spokesperson Makhosandile Tumana said the association was extremely concerned about the violence. 

“The CODETA region is very concerned about the current situation between CATA and CODETA. The issue started in Delft and Epping, but it appears to be escalating to the broader province, and that worries us,” Tumana said.

The association appealed for calm and the respect of commuters, particularly the Grade 12 learners who are currently writing their National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations.