Mediation talks to try and end the violent conflict affecting the Khayelitsha–Somerset West transport route will start on Monday, 31 August 2026.
The Western Cape Mobility Department, the City of Cape Town and law enforcement agencies are working to restore safety on the affected routes.
The move comes amid a recent spike in taxi-related violence in the province, including the murder of a 27-year-old taxi driver in Gugulethu.
Read more: Taxi driver shot dead on N2 while fleeing attackers on foot
The department and the City met with Western Cape South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO) leaders, affected regions and taxi associations on Monday, 24 August to discuss the ongoing problems.
Following the meeting, the parties agreed to take part in a formal mediation process, aimed at finding a way to resolve the conflict and prevent further violence.
Western Cape Mobility Department Head of Communication, Muneera Allie, says the violence and intimidation cannot be allowed to continue.
“The violence and intimidation we have seen on some public transport routes are deeply concerning and have no place in our communities. Every commuter has the right to travel safely, and every operator and driver has the right to work without fear.”
Allie says the department is working with law enforcement, municipalities and the public transport industry to bring stability back to the affected routes.
“We are working closely with law enforcement agencies, municipalities and industry stakeholders to support efforts to restore stability, strengthen enforcement, and ensure that public transport services can continue to operate safely and reliably.”
The department says its main concern is the safety of commuters, taxi operators and drivers, as well as residents and other road users in the affected areas.
