Cape Town – Tensions in Cape Town’s public transport system rose sharply this week after the Western Cape Government suspended several minibus taxi routes for 30 days under Section 91 of the National Land Transport Act.
The measure, which came into effect on 17 September 2025, is aimed at containing ongoing violent clashes between the Cape Amalgamated Taxi Association (CATA) and the Cape Organisation for the Democratic Taxi Association (CODETA).
In a statement, Mobility Minister Isaac Sileku described the move to suspend several Cape Town taxi routes as unavoidable given the bloodshed of recent weeks.
“This has been an exceptionally difficult decision. We are acutely aware that these routes serve thousands of residents who depend on them daily.
“However, given the escalating violence, the tragic and unnecessary loss of life, and the failure of previous interventions to restore calm, these extraordinary measures are necessary to stabilise the situation, protect commuters, and prevent further violence,” he said.
Western Cape Mobility MEC Isaac Sileku says Golden Arrow buses have been brought in as about 10 taxi routes in the City of Cape Town have been closed for the next 30 days due to a surge in violence in the taxi industry. #Newzroom405‘s @Nasiphi_Same has more.
Watch:… pic.twitter.com/iERWTRhJXw
— Newzroom Afrika (@Newzroom405) September 17, 2025
The minister appealed directly to the rival associations, adding: “We call on the affected taxi associations, CATA and CODETA, to put the safety and dignity of commuters above all else and to use this period productively to pursue sustainable, peaceful resolutions”
The affected routes include key corridors connecting Khayelitsha, Mfuleni, Somerset West, Nomzamo and Lwandle. As stated by the Western Cape Department of Mobility, the closures apply to specific taxi routes and certain ranks, but not to broader public roads. The department argued that extraordinary action was unavoidable to prevent further bloodshed linked to territorial disputes.
From 17 September, certain taxi routes will be closed for 30 days. Golden Arrow
Bus Services (GABS) will provide alternative transport to assist commuters.
Below are the available routes and times: pic.twitter.com/9V1VejR7WO— Minister Isaac Sileku (@IsaacSileku) September 16, 2025
According to IOL, six taxis were impounded on the first day as enforcement teams began clamping down on operators defying the restrictions.
The rival taxi associations, however, expressed anger over the enforcement. CODETA argued that the impoundments were punishing ordinary passengers first and foremost. “As it stands, commuters from Khayelitsha to Somerset West are transported by CODETA.
But on the return leg, CATA carries them back — even though their operating license does not authorise this,” the association said, aording to Smile FM News.
It added: “This has detrimental implications not only on the patrons … but also on the associations, as it creates unnecessary friction.” CODETA confirmed it has instructed its lawyers to consider legal action.”
CATA, while also critical of the clampdown, urged calm, saying: “This should be a lesson to all of us that when we have issues, we should quickly resolve them before we get into this kind of situation.” The group stressed that commuters were once again caught in the middle of an unresolved licensing war.
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Compiled by Lisabeal Nqamqhele
