Long-running, deadly conflict between CATA & CODETA again spotlighted

A long-running and deadly conflict between the Western Cape’s two largest taxi associations, the Cape Amalgamated Taxi Association (CATA) and the Cape Organisation for the Democratic Taxi Association (CODETA), has once again come under the spotlight.

The violence, driven mostly by disputes over routes, has claimed the lives of numerous taxi owners and drivers over the years.

At a gathering in Khayelitsha on Wednesday, taxi bosses called for peace and unity as the newly elected leadership of the provincial taxi body, the South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO), was introduced.

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Taxi operators said stabilising the industry must now be a top priority for the new leadership.

Outgoing SANTACO provincial chairperson Mandla Hermanus has also urged both CATA and CODETA to set aside their differences and work together.

"What is very strange is that when there are business opportunities, they don’t fight, they work together. So, we need the political will from the leadership to address the issues of violence."

Hermanus has also wished the incoming leadership success in its efforts to bring unity and stability to the sector.