Violent clashes between rival minibus taxi associations in South Africa's Western Cape province have killed at least 12 people over the past month, disrupted operations at Cape Town International Airport, and heightened public safety concerns.
The conflict between the Cape Amalgamated Taxi Association and the Congress of Democratic Taxi Associations centers on a longstanding struggle for dominance and operating rights along lucrative transport routes.
The violence has claimed the lives of operators and drivers, while commuters — including schoolchildren — have been caught in the crossfire, raising fears over public safety.
On Monday, the two rival taxi associations committed to a new peace agreement, pledging to ensure the safety of commuters and restore normal transport services.
As part of the agreement, stakeholders will identify the most urgent issues to discuss this week. The parties will then meet again with the Western Cape government on Nov 10 to continue the discussions.
Isaac Sileku, Western Cape minister of mobility, welcomed the commitment as a step in the right direction, but said it must be backed by concrete action.
"The violence must stop and the safety of commuters, residents, and lawful taxi operators must remain a priority," he said.
"Both associations must put down their guns and work towards a peaceful solution. Residents must be able to use public transport without fearing for their lives. We owe it to them to make this process work."
In a separate statement on Monday, the Automobile Association of South Africa, said disputes had claimed 12 lives over the past month.
The non-profit organization, which advocates for road users and provides mobility and emergency services, said commuters had been avoiding taxi ranks across Cape Town for fear of their safety, leaving some workers stranded.
The violence has also affected airport operations, with Cape Town International Airport recently reporting that 50 percent of its security staff could not report for duty, disrupting flight operations.
"We must confront the transport operator," Bobby Ramagwede, chief executive officer of the Automobile Association of South Africa, said. "Transporting human lives is not a private concession to be fought over with weapons — it is a public privilege and an honor."
The association urged law enforcement agencies and transport authorities to establish protected transit corridors, warning that escalating taxi violence threatens economic activity and could undermine voter participation.
On Saturday, the Western Cape High Court granted an interim interdict against the two taxi associations, their cited office bearers, and affiliated associations and members.
The order prohibits violence, intimidation, road blockades, interference with public or private transport, unlawful route takeovers, property damage, and the collection of money through threats.
It also restricts the possession of firearms and dangerous weapons at or around transport facilities and inside minibus taxis operating along the affected routes.
