High Court grants temporary interdict as Western Cape holds taxi organisations to account

The Western Cape Mobility Department welcomes the Western Cape High Court’s interim interdict against the Cape Amalgamated Taxi Association (CATA), the Congress of Democratic Taxi Associations (CODETA), their cited office bearers and affiliated associations and members.

The department approached the court following recent taxi violence to protect commuters and lawful transport operations.

The court’s order is provisional, but its restrictions take effect immediately and must be obeyed. Under the rule nisi, the respondents have an opportunity on 20 November 2026 at 10am to show why the order should not be made final.

The interdict prohibits violence, intimidation, road blockades, interference with public or private transport, unlawful route takeovers, damage to property and collecting money through threats. It also restricts firearms and dangerous weapons at and around transport facilities and in minibus taxis on the relevant routes.

Within 24 hours of being served, the cited office bearers must communicate the order to their affiliated associations and members, instruct them in writing to comply and publicly call for an end to the violence. Within three days of service, they must submit a sworn report with proof of the steps taken.

In a separate regulatory action, the Western Cape Provincial Taxi Registrar has suspended the registration of the CATA Langa Inter-township Taxi Association for six months, following an inquiry into unlawful operations in the Epping area.

The Registrar found that the association knowingly permitted unlawful route invasions and failed to take reasonable steps to stop them or properly control its drivers and members. The inquiry also found that drivers participated in violent activities or activities that induced violence.

During the suspension, members are prohibited from applying for the granting, renewal, amendment or transfer of operating licences, including temporary licences. The Registrar will monitor compliance and take further remedial action if unlawful operations continue.

Western Cape Mobility Minister Isaac Sileku said: “I have a responsibility to protect residents who rely on public transport and ensure that lawful taxi operators can work without fear. We have tried other ways to stop the violence, but it has continued, leaving us with no choice but to approach the court. I urge CATA and CODETA to take responsibility, end the violence and resolve their disputes peacefully for the benefit of all residents and lawful operators.”

MEDIA QUERIES

Muneera Allie
Head of Communication
Western Cape Mobility Department
Muneera.Allie@westerncape.gov.za

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