Mr Selamolela condemned the alleged shooting that claimed the lives of two e-hailing drivers and the burning of vehicles at Maponya Mall in Soweto. “We expect members of taxi associations to conduct themselves as responsible, law-abiding citizens. Incidents like the one on Wednesday fuel stereotypes portraying the minibus-taxi industry as unruly and criminal,” he said.

He urged operators to uphold standards befitting a multibillion-rand industry and to maintain its viability and sustainability. Associations, he added, should engage constructively with other role players in the transport sector, rather than allowing individual owners or operators to resort to violence in disputes.

According to media reports, taxi operators and e-hailing drivers were involved in a confrontation at Maponya Mall during which firearms were allegedly discharged, resulting in fatalities. Mr Selamolela described the incident as regrettable, particularly at a time when government efforts, under the leadership of Minister Barbara Creecy and Deputy Minister Mkhuleko Hlengwa, are focused on reforming and improving the minibus-taxi industry.

“E-hailing services meet a specific market demand; they are not intended to replace traditional taxi operations. There is no justification for conflict. This is the message that must be communicated clearly throughout the associations,” Mr Selamolela said.

He emphasised that commuters should be free to choose the transport services they prefer. “Taxi operations are an enduring feature of South African public transport. There is no need for operators to feel insecure about their businesses. The 7th administration maintains an open-door policy, and we encourage operators to bring their concerns directly to the committee,” he concluded.

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What Member of the Provincial Parliament tasked with mobility Professor Nomafrench Mbombo termed “a strong indication that lawlessness on the roads will not be tolerated” came in the response to a provincial parliament question.

It showed more than 14 500 fines issued, 376 arrests and 1 070 taxis impounded in “the past year alone”. In a Democratic Alliance (DA) statement Mbombo has it the arrests were for offences ranging from reckless and negligent driving, operating unroadworthy vehicles to overloading. More severe criminal acts, such as fraud, drug possession, bribery and unlawful transport of undocumented individuals and stolen goods, were also on the list of what the statement calls “infractions”. Vehicles were impounded and fines issued to drivers/operators for unlicensed or expired permits, “excessive speeding”, lack of safety equipment and operating without valid documentation.

Beyond enforcement, the Western Cape government said it is engaging in constructive dialogue with provincial taxi associations. This dual approach — combining accountability with collaboration — aims to improve long-term compliance and deliver safer, more dependable public transport.

Open source information has it there are over eight thousand taxi operators in the province working 2 650 local minibus tax routes with 16 500 plus legal registered vehicles.

Of the Mobility Department statistics, Mbombo is quoted as saying: “While we commend the enforcement efforts, the figures are not a reason to celebrate. In a well-functioning system, taxi operators would comply with regulations by default. What commuters deserve is a transport service that is safe, reliable and dignified — not one plagued by non-compliance and risk. Enforcement is necessary, but the ultimate goal is widespread adherence to the law”.

“The provincial government is sending a clear message: those who break the law will face consequences. We are committed to bringing accountability to an industry too often marked by disorder.”

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