Latest news with #IsaacSileku
IOL News
25-06-2025
- Business
- IOL News
CATA and CODETA's historic peace agreement enhances commuter safety in Western Cape
Cata and Codeta have reconciled after a feud over routes. . Image: Armand Hough/Independent Newspapers Two of the Western Cape's largest taxi associations have formally reconciled after a period of conflict over key transport routes, reaching an agreement aimed at restoring order and ensuring the safety of commuters. The Cape Amalgamated Taxi Association (CATA) and the Cape Organisation for the Democratic Taxi Association (CODETA) announced in a joint statement that they had resolved their dispute and committed to maintaining stability in the minibus taxi industry. The breakthrough follows a dialogue held on 24 June 2025, where representatives from both associations signed off on operational resolutions for the contested Mfuleni–Somerset and Khayelitsha–Somerset routes. As a result of the conflict, seven people were killed and five others were injured in taxi-related incidents. Under the agreement, operators from Mfuleni will retain their right to return passengers from Somerset as stipulated in their operating licences. This affirms that the Mfuleni–Somerset route will not operate on a gap-gap system, and that return trips are formally recognised. For the Khayelitsha–Somerset route, the parties agreed to an interim three-month gap-gap system. During this period, the route will be served by a total of 30 minibus taxis –15 from each association – with the fare set at R30. The arrangement will be reviewed after the trial phase. In a joint statement, CATA and CODETA said: 'This agreement reflects a mutual commitment to structured collaboration, safe operations, and the sustained improvement of the public transport system. All parties remain dedicated to constructive engagement in resolving issues and promoting a safe, dignified transport experience for all.' The South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO) Western Cape said the agreement marked a successful outcome following a series of problem-solving engagements. 'Considering the recent conflicts CATA and CODETA have faced regarding route operations, the associations have since reached and signed a formal agreement,' Santaco said. 'This agreement reflects cooperation between CATA and CODETA in fostering a peaceful, safe and reliable public transport industry within the province.' The industry also issued an1 apology to commuters for any inconvenience experienced during the period of tension and unrest. The Western Cape Government welcomed the agreement, describing it as a positive and necessary step for public safety and operational stability. 'At the core of this agreement lies the pressing need for a safe, reliable, and properly functioning public transport system, one that prioritises the interests of commuters,' the province said in a statement. Western Cape Mobility Minister Isaac Sileku commended all involved parties for putting commuters first.
The South African
22-06-2025
- Business
- The South African
Free transport helps job seekers in the Western Cape
The Western Cape Government has rolled out Phase 2 of its 'Getting You to Work' Jobseeker Travel Voucher Programme, expanding efforts to remove transport costs as a barrier to employment. At the Mitchells Plain Town Centre Library, more than 300 unemployed residents gathered to register for Gold Cards, which provide free travel via Golden Arrow Bus Services across the Cape Metro. The expansion builds on the initial success of Phase 1, launched in February 2024, which saw over 3700 residents sign up through 150 employer partners. The programme, part of the province's Growth for Jobs Strategy, aims to connect job seekers to employment, training, and interviews. Western Cape Mobility Minister Isaac Sileku said, 'We know from our data that those who received vouchers had a greater chance of attending interviews, securing work, and participating in skills development.' Phase 1 had particularly high uptake in areas like Mitchells Plain, Khayelitsha, Delft, Gugulethu, and Philippi, highlighting the critical need for this kind of intervention. Unlike Phase 1, which required registration through an employer, Phase 2 now allows job seekers to register online independently. Once registered, individuals can collect a Gold Card, valid for six free trips between 9:00 and 15:00 on weekdays until March 2026, at Golden Arrow kiosks by presenting an ID. The Western Cape Mobility Department described the project as more than just a transport solution. 'This programme is about opening doors and restoring dignity. It is about recognising that every person deserves a fair shot at opportunity,' the department stated. The government has urged employers to register as official partners and distribute vouchers to prospective employees. 'By assisting job seekers with free transport, the programme not only helps individuals and families, but strengthens the provincial economy by connecting people to opportunities,' the department added. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
Eyewitness News
07-06-2025
- Eyewitness News
Western Cape govt condemns deadly shooting at the Mfuleni taxi rank
CAPE TOWN - The Western Cape Government has condemned the deadly shooting at the Mfuleni minibus taxi rank in Cape Town. Four people were shot and killed while three others were wounded in Friday's attack. Police suspect tensions between taxi associations CATA and CODETA - over a taxi route between Mfuleni and Somerset West - might be behind the shooting. ALSO READ: Western Cape cops vow to net gunmen behind fatal Mfuleni taxi rank mass shooting Police offer R100k reward for info on deadly Mfuleni taxi rank shooting A cash reward of R100,000 is being offered to anyone who can help detectives bring to book the suspects responsible for the attack. "I am shocked and deeply saddened by this senseless act of violence. We cannot allow criminality to take hold of our public transport spaces and threaten the safety of innocent commuters and workers," said Provincial Mobility MEC Isaac Sileku. "I appeal to the community and the minibus taxi industry to stand united, remain calm, and fully support the police investigation. Those responsible must face the full consequences of the law."
Eyewitness News
07-06-2025
- Eyewitness News
Western Cape cops vow to net gunmen behind fatal Mfuleni taxi rank mass shooting
CAPE TOWN - Western Cape police say they'll leave no stone unturned to bring to book gunmen responsible for the mass shooting at the Mfuleni taxi rank in Cape Town. Four taxi operators were shot and killed, while two other taxi operators and a commuter were wounded in the attack. Police believe two gunmen with high-calibre firearms opened fire at taxi operators sitting inside an office. ALSO READ: Police offer R100k reward for info on deadly Mfuleni taxi rank shooting Western Cape police suspect that a dispute over a taxi route between Mfuleni township and Somerset West, is the reason behind yesterday's deadly attack. 'Mainly our problem has been the taxi rank in Site C, and here we've been monitoring the routes as well as Somerset. However, when the matter is planned and takes place like this one in the early hours of the morning, unfortunately, we happened to miss this one," said Deputy Provincial Police Commissioner for Crime Detection, Major-General Bongani Maqashalala. Police are offering a cash reward of R100,000 to anyone who can help detectives bring the suspects responsible for the shooting at the Mfuleni taxi rank to book. Meanwhile, the Western Cape Government has condemned the deadly shooting at the Mfuleni minibus taxi rank. Provincial Mobility MEC Isaac Sileku expressed shock over the senseless act. "I am shocked and deeply saddened by this senseless act of violence. We cannot allow criminality to take hold of our public transport spaces and threaten the safety of innocent commuters and workers. I appeal to the community and the minibus taxi industry to stand united, remain calm, and fully support the police investigation. Those responsible must face the full consequences of the law."
TimesLIVE
30-05-2025
- Automotive
- TimesLIVE
New digital learner's licence test introduced in Western Cape
The Western Cape mobility department on Monday launched a computerised learner's licence testing (CLLT) system at the Beaufort West driving licence testing centre (DLTC.) A live demonstration of the new testing system, which replaces the traditional manual booklet method, was held. The innovation is being rolled out in partnership with the Road Traffic Management Corporation and aims to improve the quality of drivers on Western Cape roads. Benefits include: promoting safer and more responsible driving through standardised testing; reducing opportunities for corruption; supporting hearing-impaired applicants with on-screen multilingual instructions to eliminate the need for an interpreter; and delivering faster, more accurate results through instant digital processing. It is set to transform the learner's licence testing process across the Western Cape, and follows other regions that have adopted the shift to digital testing. The testing terminals, each secured with fingerprint verification, connect directly to the National Traffic Information System and generate randomised test questions. Results are automatically verified and securely processed, which improves accuracy and data integrity. The CLLT classroom includes fully networked work stations, touchscreen kiosks and a 6kVA uninterrupted power supply to maintain continuity during electricity outages. All provincial driving licence testing centres outside the metro have been equipped with the new CLLT system, with the Western Cape mobility department engaging the City of Cape Town regarding its rollout of the system. All provinces have rolled out the system, but not all stations have adopted it yet. 'If we are to grow our economy and create more jobs, we need to ensure our residents have the skills they need to participate in the economy,' said Western Cape mobility MEC Isaac Sileku. 'A driver's licence is a critical requirement for many jobs, so we must make getting one as easy as possible for all our residents. The digital shift is a big step towards safer roads and a stronger economy. This is not only a technological upgrade, it's a values-driven transformation. 'The system ensures every applicant, regardless of ability, is treated with fairness and dignity,' said Sileku.
