There’s a new peace deal in the taxi industry in the South. Mobility MEC Isaac Sileku says an agreement has been reached among four Southern Suburbs taxi associations, which he believes will restore peace in the taxi industry.

“The agreement clearly sets out where each association may operate and how they will work together.”

New peace deal in the South

MEC Sileku has hailed the peace agreement a victory for commuters. He says this is an important step towards ending years of violence. Sileku added that there was a mediation process led by the Western Cape Mobility Department and the City of Cape Town. This was done in conjunction with the Vrygrond, Retreat, Westlake and Steenberg taxi associations. During the process, the taxi associations agreed to work together peacefully and share routes.

“For many years, violence between the associations claimed lives, disrupted taxi services and made life difficult for thousands of residents who rely on taxis every day.”

An important step towards ending years of violence

He added, “For many years, violence between the associations claimed lives, disrupted taxi services and made life difficult for thousands of residents who rely on taxis every day.” The MEC says the agreement clearly sets out where each association may operate and how they will work together.

MEC Sileku has welcomed the taxi agreement

He says a joint committee made up of the taxi associations, the Western Cape Mobility Department and the City of Cape Town will monitor the agreement to make sure it’s followed. The MEC added that ending violence in the taxi industry has been one of his priorities since taking office. This was especially after hearing from taxi associations that had lost members in the conflict.

“This agreement is a victory for commuters, the taxi industry and every family that wants to see their loved ones return home safely.”

This agreement is a victory for commuters

The MEC elaborated, “From the beginning, I made resolving this dispute a priority after several of the affected associations approached me about the violence and the lives being lost. No family should have to lose a loved one because of conflict in the taxi industry. No commuter should be caught in the middle of disputes that are not of their making.”

Talking and working together

Sileku says the agreement shows that talking and working together can achieve what violence never can. He has thanked the mediators and the taxi associations for their commitment to finding a peaceful solution. In conclusion, he added, “While there is still work to do, this agreement is an important step towards making public transport safer, more reliable and more stable for everyone.”