Taxi services on nine routes in Khayelitsha, Makhaza and Mfuleni resumed after weeks of closure following deadly clashes between rival associations.
Storm Simpson/News24
- Taxi services along nine routes resumed on Saturday.
- The routes were previously shut down due to deadly violence in the taxi industry.
- Western Cape Mobility MEC Isaac Sileku confirmed on Friday that the closure order would lapse at midnight, 17 October 2025.
Western Cape Mobility MEC Isaac Sileku announced that taxi operators on nine routes in Khayelitsha, Makhaza, Mfuleni and surrounding areas could resume services from Saturday.
The routes were temporarily shut down following a spate of deadly violence in the taxi industry that claimed several lives, including those of commuters.
The affected routes were at the centre of ongoing conflict between rival associations.
On Friday evening, Sileku confirmed the closure order would not be extended.
“After careful consideration of the representations received, I have decided not to issue a second closure notice. And as such, the current closure notice will automatically lapse at midnight, 17 October 2025,” he said.
READ | Western Cape set to extend taxi route closures as peace talks continue between rival bodies
Earlier, Sileku had issued a notice of intent to extend the shutdown for a further 30 days, giving affected taxi associations 24 hours to submit their comments.
“Associations may resume operations starting tomorrow [Saturday] in line with their current operating licenses. We have seen the impact of the extraordinary measures, which resulted in the restoration of calm in the areas. This was not an easy decision,” he said.
Sileku added that the decision was guided by the need to protect commuters’ rights and safety.
“I now call on both associations to demonstrate the same level of commitment, not only to government, but to the people of this province, who depend on a safe, reliable and dignified public transport system.
“Our law enforcement agencies will be monitoring the situation on the ground closely, to ensure the safety of communities and the broader public,” he said.
Western Cape Mobility MEC Isaac Sileku at a media briefing on taxi violence developments.
Storm Simpson/News24
Last week, the Congress of Democratic Taxi Associations (Codeta) lost its appeal to overturn the department’s decision to close the routes and ranks affected by the ongoing conflict.
Codeta chairperson Nceba Enge said the association believed collaboration was key to restoring long-term stability.
He said:
We urge the department to work with us to find a lasting solution that balances safety and stability with the need to protect the interests of our operators and commuters.
Meanwhile, Cape Amalgamated Taxi Association (CATA) spokesperson Nkululeko Sityebi said the closures had caused severe financial losses for operators.
“Taxi operators have lost more than R500 000 in income since the route closures, and street vendors have also been hit hard as business has slowed without taxis,” he said.
