Cape Town Taxi Sector Embarks on Bloodless New Era

Challenges Facing the Minibus Taxi Industry in Cape Town

The minibus taxi industry in Cape Town has long been a vital part of the city’s transportation network, but it is also plagued by numerous challenges. These include extortion, disputes over routes, and the infiltration of criminal syndicates that use the sector to launder money. The industry is estimated to be worth between R5-billion and R7-billion in the Western Cape, making it a significant economic force. However, its potential is often overshadowed by violence and illegality.

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A History of Violence

Violence within the taxi industry began in the 1990s when operators targeted the Golden Arrow Bus Service. Since then, the number of casualties has continued to rise. On 4 August, Mandla Hermanus, chairperson of the South African National Taxi Council (Santaco) Western Cape, emphasized the need for change at the Peace Summit in Cape Town. He stated, “We need to write a new chapter and it cannot be written in blood.” This call for peace was echoed by various stakeholders, including religious leaders, the City of Cape Town, and the Western Cape mobility MEC, Isaac Sileku.

Addressing Route Disputes

At the heart of the violence lies the issue of route disputes. Dr Siyabulela Fobosi, a senior researcher at the University of Fort Hare, believes that introducing route-based conflict management mechanisms could help curb the violence. He explained that identifying problematic routes and involving multiple stakeholders in conflict resolution could prevent escalation into deadly confrontations. Fobosi also highlighted the urgent need to address route duplication, as many licenses are issued without proper adherence to the law, leading to an excessive number of operators on a single route.

Government Initiatives

Isaac Sileku, the Western Cape mobility MEC, outlined a five-year strategic plan aimed at compelling taxi owners and associations to register with municipalities. This initiative is intended to prevent route invasions and establish stakeholder engagement forums. The government has also attempted to formalize the taxi industry, although Fobosi noted that post-apartheid governments have struggled to effectively regulate the sector, leaving it in a liminal space.

Resolving Conflicts Through Dialogue

Speakers at the Peace Summit highlighted a recent example of successful conflict resolution. In June, the Cape Amalgamated Taxi Association and the Cape Organisation for the Democratic Taxi Association reached an agreement to resolve disputes on the Mfuleni-Somerset and Khayelitsha-Somerset West routes. Despite seven deaths and five injuries, the parties managed to come to a mutually beneficial agreement through dialogue.

The Impact of Violence on Commuters

Sileku emphasized how taxi violence affects commuters, highlighting the impact on families and communities. He described scenarios where a mother waits for transport that never comes, a child loses a day of learning due to closed routes, and a father does not return home because of a conflict he never chose. He stressed the importance of moving from crisis to collaboration and from confrontation to partnership.

Combating Criminal Activity

Security strategist and former Interpol ambassador Andy Mashaile warned about the infiltration of the taxi industry by criminal elements involved in money laundering and racketeering. He called for the implementation of an integrity pact requiring all taxi associations to sign, which would trigger lifestyle audits on owners. Mashaile also highlighted the need for a cashless system to combat extortion and eliminate criminal activity within the industry.

The Role of Vetting and Registration

Hermanus proposed introducing a cashless system to help the industry deal with extortion. He emphasized the importance of vetting minibus taxi operators and drivers, noting that the government already has mechanisms in place to ensure criminal elements are eliminated. He urged for cooperation to deregister drivers with criminal records and focus on rehabilitation.

Moving Forward

The discussions at the Peace Summit underscored the need for collective action and dialogue to transform the taxi industry. By addressing root causes such as route disputes, criminal infiltration, and lack of regulation, the industry can move towards a more stable and secure future. The goal is to create an environment where safety, fairness, and collaboration prevail, ensuring that the taxi industry continues to serve the community effectively.