The Cape Organisation for the Democratic Taxi Association (CODETA) has announced its intention to contest the Western Cape provincial government’s decision to suspend specific taxi routes. The 30-day shutdown, enacted last Wednesday, was a drastic measure aimed at curbing violent clashes linked to an escalating feud between CODETA and the Cape Amalgamated Taxi Association (CATA). This ongoing conflict has already resulted in several fatalities in Cape Town, stirring unrest within the community and prompting swift governmental action.
CODETA spokesperson Nceba Enge has voiced strong objections, labelling the route closures as an “unfair punishment.” The association’s legal challenge against the provincial government is set to be heard next Tuesday, with expectations that the court will review the rationale behind the urgent implementation of the shutdown.
“Another thing that should be noted is that CODETA was operating for three weeks already on that route without any violence,” Enge stated, emphasising the inconsistency of the government’s claims. He questioned why the Minister deemed an urgent closure necessary after a period of violence-free operation. “This raises concerns about the underlying motivations for taking such drastic action against our association,” he added.
In response, Provincial Mobility MEC Isaac Sileku has dismissed CODETA’s assertions, suggesting that the focus should shift towards engaging in peace talks rather than seeking legal recourse. “Our door is always open to them to return to the talks,” MEC Sileku stated, urging both factions to find a resolution to this simmering dispute. “The sooner they resolve this mess, the better for everyone,” he affirmed, implying that cooperation would be more beneficial than confrontation.
The taxi industry in the Western Cape, a vital component of the region’s public transport system, has been plagued with violence linked to turf wars between rival associations, causing significant distress to commuters. The implications of this feud extend beyond just transportation; they impact livelihoods, community safety, and the overall social fabric of the area.