A ceasefire has been reached between rival taxi associations in Gauteng following years of deadly violence over disputed routes. The truce was brokered by the provincial Department of Roads and Transport, marking a major breakthrough in efforts to restore order to the province’s taxi industry.
The long-standing conflict between the Witwatersrand African Taxi Association (WATA) and the Nancefield Dube West Taxi Association (NANDUWE) has claimed at least 59 lives in 2025 alone, with scores more injured as a result of ongoing turf wars.
On Friday, representatives from the Gauteng National Taxi Alliance and the South African National Taxi Council met with Gauteng Transport MEC Kedibone Diale-Tlabela to chart a path toward peace. The parties committed to ending hostilities and resolving disputes through dialogue.
Community Safety and Transport oversight committees have welcomed the agreement and urged authorities to maintain heightened law enforcement operations to prevent any resurgence in violence.
“We urge taxi associations to honour the ceasefire and engage in good faith,” said Bandile Masuku, Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Community Safety. “This agreement marks a turning point in Gauteng’s fight against taxi violence. We call on commuters and communities to report threats and criminal activity, and on all stakeholders to work together to ensure a safe and peaceful public transport system.”
Officials say the committees will continue monitoring compliance with the agreement and supporting initiatives to create long-term stability within the sector.