The National Taxi Alliance (NTA) says rival associations, the Witwatersrand African Taxi Association (WATA) and the Nancefield Dube West Taxi Association (NANDUWE), must fully commit to a ceasefire agreement aimed at ending ongoing violence within the industry.
The truce, brokered by the Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport, follows years of deadly conflict over disputed routes—violence that has claimed more than 50 lives.
Efforts to bring stability included a high-level meeting between the National Taxi Alliance, the South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO), and Gauteng MEC for Roads and Transport, Kedibone Diale-Tlabela.
NTA spokesperson Theo Malele emphasised the importance of the agreement for the survival of both associations.
“The warring parties must smoke the peace pipe if they want a future in the taxi industry,” said Malele. “If Section 91 of the National Land Transport Act is invoked, they risk losing their operating licenses—and their businesses.”
He warned that continued non-compliance could have dire financial consequences, including the inability to pay off vehicles or retain staff.
Malele concluded by stressing that peace is not just necessary, but essential for the sustainability of the industry and the livelihoods it supports.