Cape Town – The Western Cape government has shut several minibus taxi routes for 30 days following a recent surge in industry violence, warning that associations that continue to break the law risk losing their memberships or having their operating licences suspended.
According to the Western Cape Mobility Department, the province has invoked extraordinary powers under Section 91 of the National Land Transport Act to temporarily close routes where ongoing violence threatens lives.
The department has published a list of the affected routes, saying the measures are intended to protect commuters and restore order.
Ten Western Cape taxi routes will be closed for a month starting Wednesday. This after warring taxi associations Cata and Codeta failed to reach a peace agreement. #eNCA #SouthAfricaTonight #DStv403
Full report on https://t.co/srSwp4HDwU pic.twitter.com/YMJWhIvqHo
— eNCA (@eNCA) September 16, 2025
As reported by News24, Western Cape Mobility MEC Isaac Sileku said that the province “will not hesitate to extend route and rank closures for up to a year if violence continues.”
Western Cape Mobility MEC Isaac Sileku urged the warring taxi associations to enter peace talks rather than challenge the route closures in court.
“They must focus on peace talks rather than taking government to court,” EWN quoted Sileku as saying.
He warned that the registrar has powers to open enquiries that could lead to sanctions, including suspension of operating licences or the removal of an association’s recognised membership if compliance is not shown.
The Western Cape High Court issued interim orders earlier in August restricting unlawful interference with services on named routes and at key public-transport facilities; associations have mounted legal challenges to the recent 30-day shutdown, and a court hearing on those challenges was reported to be scheduled this week.
The route closures and policing measures have practical consequences for commuters and schools. Local reporting found that, while authorities say disruption has been minimised, some commuters have been forced to find alternative transport and a few schools reported reduced pupil transport availability on affected days.
One taxi body claimed the closures would harm drivers’ incomes and urged the government to mediate. Meanwhile, MEC Sileku reiterated that the government registrar has the power to suspend operating licences or withdraw association memberships if compliance is not forthcoming.
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Compiled by Lisabeal Nqamqhele
