Minister Sileku welcomes agreement to restore peace in Southern Suburbs taxi industry

Western Cape Minister of Mobility, Isaac Sileku, has welcomed a new agreement between four Southern Suburbs taxi associations, calling it a major win for commuters and an important step towards ending years of violence.

After a mediation process led by the Western Cape Mobility Department and the City of Cape Town, the Vrygrond, Retreat, Westlake and Steenberg 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.

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

Minister Sileku said ending violence in the taxi industry has been one of his priorities since taking office, especially after hearing from taxi associations that had lost members in the conflict.

"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, and no commuter should be caught in the middle of disputes that are not of their making.

"This agreement is a victory for commuters, the taxi industry and every family that wants to see their loved ones return home safely. It shows that talking and working together can achieve what violence never can. I want to thank the mediators and the taxi associations for their commitment to finding a peaceful solution.

"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."

The Western Cape Government and the City of Cape Town remain committed to working with the taxi industry to find lasting solutions that protect commuters and improve public transport across the province.

Media Enquiries
Byron La Hoe
Acting Media Liaison Officer to Minister Isaac Sileku
Western Cape Mobility Department
Email: Byron.laHoe@westerncape.gov.za