In Gauteng, the ongoing dispute over taxi routes serviced by the Witwatersrand African Taxi Owners Association (WATA) and the Nancefield Dube West Taxi Association (NANDUWE) remains unresolved.
Gauteng taxi shutdown updates: No decision made on WATA/NANDUWE routes
The Department of Roads and Transport has not issued any official notice regarding the closure of routes that are currently operated by the feuding taxi associations WATA and NANDUWE.
In a statement, the Gauteng MEC for Transport and Logistics, Kedibone Diale-Tlabela, confirmed discussions with various stakeholders were ongoing.
“The Department appeals to members of the public to always verify any information. or announcement relating to the
Department by checking our social media pages for updates,” Diale-Tlabela said.
A history of violence in the WATA/NANDUWE taxi war
The conflict between WATA and NANDUWE has been a persistent issue since 2013, marked by violence that has endangered the lives of many passengers.
Over the years, efforts to quell the violence have included the closing of taxi ranks and routes, dissolving executive committees, and the appointment of administrators.
Despite these measures, 74 fatalities have been recorded since the conflict began.
The violence stems from disputes over operational permits and allegations of corruption in their issuance, which have led to several legal battles.
Last month, MEC Diale-Tlabela held an imbizo in Meadowlands Zone 9, Soweto, to address these issues directly with the involved parties and stakeholders.
The South African National Taxi Council (Santaco) has also been involved, attempting to mediate and propose resolutions to the ongoing disputes.
The region is now awaiting the publication of a notice in the provincial gazette by MEC Diale-Tlabela, which will indicate the potential closure of affected taxi ranks and routes under section 91 of the National Land Transport Act.