Western Cape taxi routes resumed over the weekend after a 30-day closure ended at midnight on Friday, 17 October 2025. Mobility MEC Isaac Sileku chose not to extend the shutdown, citing calmer conditions. Operators restarted services on Saturday, sticking to their licenses. Sileku called the decision tough but necessary after reviewing submissions. The closure followed violent clashes between taxi associations that killed at least six people, including commuters.
Key Areas See Services Return
Taxis returned to key routes connecting Khayelitsha, Makhaza, Mfuleni, Lwandle, Nomzamo, and Somerset West. The province lifted restrictions on nine to ten routes, which are crucial parts of the Western Cape taxi network. Some operators resumed gradually, aligning with permits while discussions continue. The routes had closed last month to curb gun violence, which disrupted transport across these communities.
Monitoring and Negotiations Ramp Up
Sileku urged taxi associations to prioritize commuter safety. Law enforcement remains visible on these routes to ensure stability. Authorities will monitor conditions closely, he warned. Stakeholders plan to meet soon to secure long-term agreements as Western Cape taxi routes remain a focus for safety and reliability for daily commuters.
Legal Context and Daily Struggles
The reopening follows a recent court ruling that upheld the province’s closure order. During the shutdown, commuters faced longer trips and crowded alternatives. Operators lost significant earnings, and vendors saw business plummet. With routes in the Western Cape now open, the priority is preventing further violence and rebuilding trust to protect the communities that rely on these essential transport routes.
