Rival taxi associations CATA Cape Amalgamated Taxi Association and CODETA Civic Organisation of the Developmental Taxi Association have officially inked a peace agreement in a significant step towards restoring peace and stability in the public transport sector.
This much-needed accord was signed on Tuesday, 24 June 2023, following a series of high-level discussions aimed at mending a rift that has led to devastating conflict over the Mfuleni to Somerset route.
The strained relations between the two associations have been characterized by violent incidents, including deadly taxi shootings and murders, which have plagued the Mfuleni-Somerset corridor and caused upheaval at various taxi ranks, notably those in Somerset West.
With public safety at risk and commuters suffering disruptions, the Provincial Mini-Bus Taxi Task Team convened recently to call for calm and resolution.
The signing of this peace agreement is lauded as a promising development by the South African National Taxi Council SANTACO of the Western Cape.