Taxi violence leaves commuters stranded as CODETA seeks urgent talks

Authorities are on high alert amid the ongoing taxi violence across Cape Town.

The Cape Organisation for the Democratic Taxi Association (CODETA) has called for calm amid the ongoing taxi violence across Cape Town. 

Speaking to IOL on Friday, CODETA’s spokesperson, Makhosandile Tumana, said the association is extremely concerned about the current situation. 

There is currently an ongoing fight between the two biggest taxi associations, CATA and CODETA; it has reached the boiling point where multiple lives have been lost and others injured. It has also resulted in commuters being stranded. 

“The CODETA region is very concerned about the current situation between CATA and CODETA. The issue started in Delft and Epping, but it appears to be escalating to the broader province, and that worries us,” Tumana said. 

He said the association is organising meetings that can bring a solution to the current unrest and save lives. 

“We are appealing to our fellow brothers to calm down and to respect the commuters. You are putting them in a very tight corner, particularly our matriculants, who are busy with their exams. We ask that everyone refrain from any form of violence in the meantime,” Tumana said. 

According to Tumana, a meeting was scheduled on Thursday, October 29, with both associations; however, it was rescheduled to Monday, November 2. 

“We are looking forward to it, and we hope the two taxi associations can reach a consensus on this dispute,” Tumana said. 

On Friday, travellers were seen in snaking queues because of staff shortages, which also resulted in flight delays at the Cape Town International Airport. 

Cape Town International Airport urged travellers to arrive several hours before departure due to possible traffic disruptions and delays due to ongoing taxi-related unrest in parts of the City.