Looming taxi route shutdown; City set to monitor routes

Taxi commuters are reminded to seek alternative transport from Wednesday as the Western Cape Government enforces a 30-day shutdown of routes between Mfuleni and Somerset West.

The decision affects multiple routes linking Khayelitsha, Mfuleni, Lwandle, Nomzamo and Somerset West, as well as specified taxi rank lanes in these and surrounding areas. It comes after violent and deadly confrontations in recent weeks.

The South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO) expressed regret at the closures, warning of the long-term effects on operators, their families, and supporting businesses.

However, the organisation acknowledged that the government’s priority is to protect lives. While apologising to commuters for the disruption, SANTACO said it is hopeful that continued engagements would restore stability in the sector.

“We remain optimistic and hopeful that through the ongoing dialogue with government and other stakeholders, peace and stability will soon be restored. SANTACO Western Cape is committed to working tirelessly and in good faith towards a lasting solution,” read the SANTACO statement.

Western Cape Mobility MEC Isaac Sileku previously stressed that safety must come first, noting that previous interventions had failed to prevent bloodshed.

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To minimise inconvenience, Golden Arrow Bus Services and Metrorail will provide additional capacity for affected commuters.

Meanwhile, the City’s Safety and Security Directorate has announced the establishment of a Joint Operations Centre (JOC) to monitor compliance on the closed routes. Mayoral Committee Member JP Smith said law enforcement officials will be deployed to ensure the restrictions are upheld and to prevent risks to public safety.

“My office has received numerous calls from members of the public enquiring about a taxi strike – for the record, this is not a strike, but the closure of routes for a pre-determined period, which means that taxis are not allowed to operate on those routes,” said Smith.