South Africa: Further taxi-related violence and disruptions likely in Cape Town through mid-July in response to ongoing disputes

Event

Further taxi-related violence and disruptions are likely in Cape Town through mid-July in response to recent violence linked to an ongoing dispute between rival taxi operators. The conflict between the Cape Amalgamated Taxi Association (CATA) and the Congress of Democratic Taxi Association (CODETA) is likely linked to a long-standing dispute over access and control of transport routes.

Officials will likely maintain an increased security presence near taxi ranks and in recent violence-affected areas in the coming days. Related violence is likely to impact taxi depots and ranks in and near informal settlements; however, taxi operators may also launch protests, including in the form of convoy go-slows along major roads, including the N1 and N2 highways. Should further taxi-related protest action be initiated, clashes between striking taxi drivers and security personnel are possible.

Context

Taxi-related violence and disruptions are common in South Africa, including Cape Town, where competition over routes regularly leads to confrontations between opposing groupings. Recent violence, including targeted killings of rivals, led CATA and CODETA to suspend operations. Fatal shootings have occurred in Ravensmead, Du Noon, and Phillipi East, leaving at least seven people dead. On July 7, a large convoy of minibus taxis disrupted traffic along the N1 highway outbound.

Advice

Monitor local media and liaise with trusted contacts for further updates. Avoid all protests. Exercise caution when traveling in or near Cape Town's informal settlements and along major highway networks. Heed the instructions of local officials. Do not drive through protester roadblocks.