Cape Town – The Western Cape High Court has dismissed an urgent interdict application by the Congress of Democratic Taxi Associations (Codeta), thereby upholding the provincial government’s decision to close 10 taxi routes and several ranks under emergency powers.
The ruling confirmed the lawfulness of the Department of Mobility’s invocation of Section 91 of the National Land Transport Act, allowing for extraordinary measures to ensure commuter safety and restore order following persistent taxi-related violence and disruptions in the Helderberg and Khayelitsha areas.
The affected routes include:
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611 Khayelitsha to Somerset West
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43 Lwandle to Khayelitsha
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M18 Mfuleni to Somerset West
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X19 Nomzamo to Mfuleni
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AA20 Khayelitsha to Somerset West CBD via Vergelegen Medical Clinic
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AA21 Khayelitsha to Sitari Village Mall
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R96 Khayelitsha to Somerset West via Somerset Mall
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R97 Khayelitsha to Waterstone Mall to Somerset West
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YEX63 Mfuleni to Somerset West
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YEX64 Mfuleni to Strand via Somerset West
Western Cape Mobility Minister Isaac Sileku welcomed the judgment, stating, “This judgment reaffirms that our actions are guided by the law and prioritise the protection of lives.”
He added that there are now seven days remaining for the affected associations and stakeholders to reach a lasting agreement with the department.
Sileku urged parties to prioritise dialogue over disruption and focus on finding common ground rather than resorting to costly litigation.
Western Cape Mobility Minister welcomes court ruling on Codeta interdict. pic.twitter.com/snsyoQBByh
— Minister Isaac Sileku (@IsaacSileku) October 9, 2025
Codeta had sought to prevent the department from implementing the closures, arguing that the decision was procedurally unfair and unlawful. However, the court ruled that the department’s actions were justified, reasonable, and in the public interest.
The judgment noted that the extraordinary measures were necessary to prevent further loss of life and property damage linked to ongoing taxi conflicts between Codeta and the Cape Amalgamated Taxi Association (Cata).
With the court’s support, the Department of Mobility will continue implementing the 30-day extraordinary measures, including the temporary closure of the specified routes and ranks. The department hopes that the remaining time will facilitate constructive negotiations towards a peaceful resolution.
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Compile by Lisabeal Nqamqhele
