Mobility
Given the complex challenges posed by taxi association disputes in parts of the province, with media reports of killings of some taxi association leaders:
What are the key steps that this Department is taking to resolve tensions and to prevent future unrest proactively in the minibus taxi sector to ensure commuter safety?
The Department acknowledges the serious challenges within the minibus taxi industry, particularly those related to disputes, intimidation, and route invasions, as these often escalate into violence and threaten commuter safety. A multifaceted and proactive approach has been adopted to address these issues, focusing on maintaining compliance, stakeholder engagement, enforcement, conflict resolution, and industry professionalisation.
- Monitoring Compliance
The Department works closely with registered taxi associations to monitor compliance with the Minimum Standard Constitution, Code of Conduct and Operating Licence Conditions as follows:
- Build trust with associations, enabling early identification of risks.
- Conduct workshops to promote understanding of the Minimum Standard Constitution and internal dispute resolution mechanisms.
- Issue compliance notices where breaches occur.
- Hold regular meetings to discuss potential threats and mitigation strategies.
- The department deals with both Internal conflicts within associations and inter-association disputes.
Operators and associations that contravene these regulations face disciplinary actions, including Section 79 and Section 7(a) 20 hearings to prevent unsafe practices and promote compliance with the industry.
- Conflict Resolution and Legal Mechanisms
The Department has strengthened alternative conflict resolution efforts as follows:
- Mediators and Arbitrators are appointed to resolve disputes, with arbitrators stepping in if mediation fails.
- Legal Services are used in severe cases to seek court orders or clarifications. A court application on the demarcation of federal taxi bodies (e.g. CATA and CODETA) is currently with Legal Services and seeks to prevent these associations from invading the routes of other associations. The invasion of routes has been identified as one of the root causes of continuing violence in the taxi industry.
- In the longer term (5-year Strategic Plan), the Department plans to introduce new legislation to compel the registration of federal taxi associations on a municipal district basis, to ensure that all federal bodies have geographically defined areas within which they can operate. This will prevent route invasions across regions.
3. Stakeholder Engagement and Liaison Structures
The Department encourages and supports the formation of institutionalized forums for dialogue and conflict prevention:
- Public Transport Liaison Committees (PTLCs) are active in some municipalities, fostering collaboration between taxi associations, law enforcement, municipalities, and provincial authorities.
- The Transport Priority Committee and District committees serve as platforms for proactive engagement and early threat detection.
- Coordination with Law Enforcement
The Department works closely with the South African Police Service (SAPS) and Law enforcement units in both province and municipalities to address criminal activities such as blackmail, threats, and gangsterism. Intelligence-sharing improves the Department’s ability to respond swiftly to emerging threats.
- Capacity Building and Industry Professionalisation
Efforts are ongoing to formalise and professionalise the taxi industry through:
Training and governance support,
Promotion of constitutional compliance to reduce internal conflict and improve accountability.
Conclusion
The Department remains committed to fostering a safe, regulated, and professional minibus taxi industry. In this regard we aim to build long-term stability and protect the rights and safety of all commuters and road users.
