City calls for calm and prioritises commuter safety amid Helderberg Basin taxi tensions

25 August 2025

STATEMENT BY THE CITY’S MAYORAL COMMITTEE MEMBER FOR URBAN MOBILITY, COUNCILLOR ROB QUINTAS

The City of Cape Town is concerned about the recent escalation of violence between CATA and CODETA in the Somerset West, Lwandle, and wider Helderberg areas. The intimidation of drivers and commuters, armed attacks, and the tragic loss of life in recent days are unacceptable. These violent acts are criminal, reckless, and must stop immediately.

This escalation in violence is profoundly disappointing, especially in light of the commitments made by all parties during the Peace Summit convened earlier this month. The City views any return to violent tactics as a serious breach of the trust and goodwill built during those engagements, and as an affront to the thousands of commuters who depend daily on safe, reliable public transport.

The safety of commuters, operators, and the broader public remains our top priority. The City is working closely with the Western Cape Government and the South African Police Service (SAPS) to stabilise the situation, with visible law enforcement presence already deployed at key facilities to deter further violence and reassure commuters.

It is equally concerning that the scheduled meeting between CATA and CODETA leadership, agreed to last week for today, did not take place due to reported safety fears and absent leadership. With no indication of when parties will next meet to resolve their disputes, tensions in the Somerset West area remain dangerously high. Dialogue, not violence, must be the way forward.

While the City is not the authority responsible for licensing or regulating the minibus taxi industry, every level of government has a direct duty to protect commuters. Government has a range of regulatory tools available, including the possible use of Section 91 of the National Land Transport Act, which empowers the temporary closure of taxi ranks or routes in the interests of commuter safety. These steps are being actively considered.

We call on the leadership of all the affected associations to honour their peace commitments, to refrain from intimidation and violence, and to resolve their disputes through lawful and regulated processes. The City remains firm in its commitment to safeguard lives, uphold the rule of law, and support the Western Cape Provincial Government and SAPS in ensuring safe, reliable transport for all.

End

Published by:
City of Cape Town, Media Office