Taxi violence returns to the spotlight

The long-running conflict between the Cape Amalgamated Taxi Association (CATA) and the Cape Organisation for the Democratic Taxi Association (CODETA) is back in focus in the Western Cape. The feud, linked mainly to disputes over taxi routes, has over the years cost the lives of many taxi owners and drivers, according to Eyewitness News.

The issue was raised again at a gathering in Khayelitsha on Wednesday, where taxi leaders called for peace and unity during the introduction of the newly elected provincial leadership of the South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO), as reported by EWN.

New SANTACO leadership under pressure

Taxi operators said the new SANTACO leadership must make stability in the industry a top priority. That message was clear: without unity, violence will continue to haunt the sector.

Outgoing SANTACO provincial chairperson Mandla Hermanus also appealed to both CATA and CODETA to put their differences aside and work together. In remarks reported by EWN, Hermanus said it is striking that rival groups can cooperate when business opportunities arise, but fail to do the same when dealing with violence in the industry. He said what is needed now is political will from leadership to tackle the bloodshed.

Route disputes keep fuelling tension

The conflict between the two associations has repeatedly been tied to fights over lucrative taxi routes. EWN previously reported that ongoing violence in the sector is widely believed to be driven by route disputes, alongside allegations of extortion in some cases.

That matters far beyond the taxi industry. For many working-class commuters in Cape Town and surrounding areas, taxis are not optional. They are the main way to get to work, school and clinics. When violence flares up, communities pay the price.

Call for unity, not more funerals

Hermanus has wished the incoming SANTACO leadership well in its push to bring unity and stability to the sector, EWN reported. For commuters and operators alike, that work cannot wait. The Western Cape’s taxi industry needs calm, credible leadership and fewer funerals.