I strongly condemn the recent attacks on bus and staff transport services, allegedly by operatives linked to warring minibus taxi associations. The violence has affected other modes of public transport which have amended their operations due to safety and security concerns.
The following is a situational report on minibus taxi operations in the Western Cape. Where an area is not specifically mentioned, no specific issues were raised and operations seem to be running. Where an area is specifically mentioned and it is stated that services are running, it means that the area has been flagged as an area where disruptions are possible.
It should be made clear that this situational report is based on current information, is valid only at the time of publishing and is subject to change at any time.
- No minibus taxi (MBT) services between Mbekweni and Bellville.
- Local routes in Paarl are running.
- Limited MBT services from Khayelitsha, Nyanga and Langa leading to limited services at the Bellville Public Transport Interchange (PTI).
- Bellville PTI:
- MBT services from Eerste River are dropping passengers on Robert Sobukwe.
- Cape Town/Belhar route services are loading on Charl Malan.
- Limited Golden Arrow bus services.
- Somerset West MBT rank: All in order.
- Nomzamo and Lwandle: Limited MBT operations at ranks.
- Langa MBT rank: all in order but with limited service to Bellville PTI.
- Golden Arrow services are operating on Borcherds Quarry.
- Retreat Station and Capricorn taxi ranks: All in order.
- Wynberg PTI: No CATA (Cape Amalgamated Taxi Association) or CODETA (Congress of Democratic Taxi Associations) vehicles operating.
- Vrygrond PTI: No operations.
- Fish Hoek PTI: No CATA or CODETA vehicles operating, but buses are operating.
- Masiphumelele PTI: No MBT service.
- Athlone PTI: No CATA or CODETA vehicles are operating.
- Mitchell’s Plain PTI: No CATA or CODETA vehicles are operating and bus services are limited.
- Claremont PTI: No CATA or CODETA vehicles are operating and bus services are limited.
- Nyanga Central PTI: Bus services are limited or not operating at all.
- Gugulethu PTI: Bus services are limited or not operating at all.
Other modes of public transport are operating as well as minibus taxis not affiliated to the affected associations. It is also important to note that while operations at Public Transport Interchanges may be reduces, services along the routes still continue to operate.
I have already published my intention in terms of Section 91 of the Land Transport Act to consider the closing of routes and ranks should the situation continue.
The national Transport Minister Fikile Mbalula and I call on taxi industry leaders to place commuter safety above their own narrow interests. I also made it clear that Government cannot be expected to compromise on the rule of law and will not allow a criminal element in the industry to hold legal operators and the citizens of the province hostage.
Media Queries:
Ntomboxolo Makoba-Somdaka
Spokesperson for Minister Daylin Mitchell
Cell: 082 953 0026
Email: Ntomboxolo.Makoba-Somdaka@westerncape.gov.za