Media Release by Daylin Mitchell, Western Cape Minister of Transport and Public Works
Today I announced my decision to close Route B97 between Paarl and Bellville.
The decision follows weeks of discussions to find solutions with minibus taxi industry associations to end the ongoing disruption to the public transport system brought about by ongoing violence in the industry. In many respects this has become my sole focus because of the impact this has on the people and economy of the province. This violence and these disruptions have a direct impact on the Western Cape Government’s recovery plan which places jobs, well-being and safety at the centre of what we do.
While the arbitration process will continue in four days’ time, it was my hope that the industry would support us in our aim to put the commuter at the centre and find an interim peace until the arbitration process concludes. I have received pleas from people in all walks of life calling for an end to the violence and disruption. I assure you that I am doing everything in my power along with law enforcement agencies to bring about stability and peace so that the functioning of the public transport system can be restored. I have applied my mind to all the comments submitted in response to my notice of intention to consider taking extraordinary measures under section 91 of the National Land Transport Act as well as engagements over the past few days. I plan to publish a notice in this regard in the Provincial Gazette today.
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). MBT services not affiliated to CATA (Cape Amalgamated Taxi Association) and CODETA (Congress of Democratic Taxi Associations) are operating.
- Bellville PTI:
- Golden Arrow Bus Services are operational.
- No CATA- or CODETA-affiliated MBT services are running.
- Operational routes include Belhar, Delft, Eerste River, Kuils River and Cape Town.
- Golden Arrow services are operating on Borcherds Quarry Road.
- Cape Town Station deck:
- Steady flow of MBT services.
- No CATA or CODETA MBT services are running.
- Operational loading lanes:
- B4 Dunoon.
- B5 Milnerton.
- B8 Wynberg.
- B9 Sea Point.
- B10 Mitchell’s Plain.
- B13 Kensington.
- Bellville route loading at Parking 1.
- Nyanga Central PTI and bus terminus:
- Bus services are limited. Passengers embark and disembark at Nyanga South African Police Service (SAPS) station.
- Very limited or no MBT services in operation.
- Gugulethu PTI:
- Very limited or no MBT services in operation.
Other modes of public transport are operating as well as minibus taxis not affiliated to CATA or CODETA. It is important to note that, while operations at PTIs may be reduced, services along the routes continue to operate.
I reiterate my stance that Government cannot be expected to compromise on the rule of law and will not allow criminal elements in the minibus industry to hold legal operators and the citizens of the province hostage.
I am humbled by the deep commitment and strong sense of duty and service displayed by the Head of Department and her staff. Together with law enforcement agencies and local government, we will continue to work tirelessly to resolve this violence and these disruptions.
Media Queries:
Ntomboxolo Makoba-Somdaka
Spokesperson for Minister Daylin Mitchell
Cell: 082 953 0026
Email: Ntomboxolo.Makoba-Somdaka@westerncape.gov.za