Cape Town’s two major taxi associations, CATA and CODETA, have both expressed concern over the Western Cape government’s decision to close disputed taxi routes, warning that commuters will once again bear the brunt.

The closure of ten major taxi routes leading to Somerset West is due to ongoing violence in the minibus taxi sector. This decision was made by Mobility MEC Isaac Sileku and will take effect from Wednesday, 17 September 2025. The closure will last for 30 days.

READ: Western Cape shuts down key taxi routes amid violent clashes

CATA said it had expected the decision, noting that such measures are often taken during times of conflict.

“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.”

CODETA echoed these concerns but stressed that the real problem lies with the government’s failure to issue return permits for the Somerset West–Khayelitsha route.

“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.” CODETA said.

“This has detrimental implications not only on the patrons, as they have to pay more and take multiple taxis from work to their homes, but also on the associations, as it creates unnecessary friction.”

The association emphasised that it does not condone violence in any form. “It is important to note that as an association, we do not condone violence as a way to resolve disputes, and we particularly condemn it in all forms,” it said.

CODETA added that all that is needed to resolve the conflict is for the government to issue return permits.

“This will ensure that each association carries its passengers to town and back to its township, with no overlap on another association’s route. The government refuses or fails to see reason to this regard for reasons unknown to us.”

While committing to further negotiations, CODETA confirmed it has instructed its legal team to study the provincial government’s decision and advise on possible legal action.

Both associations urged that commuters’ interests remain at the centre of resolving the ongoing dispute.