Sileku to impose harsher sanctions on CATA, CODETA if conflict not urgently resolved

CAPE TOWN - Western Cape MEC for Mobility Isaac Sileku said he will impose harsher sanctions on the Cape Amalgamated Taxi Association (CATA) and the Cape Organisation for the Democratic Taxi Association (CODETA) if they do not urgently resolve the minibus taxi conflict in Cape Town.

The rival taxi associations failed to reach consensus during peace talks last week, sparking a fresh bout of violence that left five people dead.

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Disagreements about a route from Khayelitsha and Mfuleni to Somerset West are said to be behind the violence.

The Western Cape Mobility Department was granted a court interdict last week, prohibiting CATA and CODETA from interfering with transport services at various key routes.

Sileku has warned the taxi associations to resolve their differences or harsher sanctions could be on the cards.

"Progress starts with dialogue. If we choose talks over tension, we can build the safe, reliable taxi industry our communities deserve."