Decade-long taxi conflict resolved, Gauteng government calls for calm
Community members are urged to report any incidents or concerns to law enforcement as authorities work to maintain peace and ensure smooth operations in the public transport sector.

The Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport (GDRT) has called for calm amid rising tensions between the Witwatersrand African Taxi Association (WATA) and the Nancefield Dube-West Taxi Association (NANDUWE) following the official resolution of their long-standing conflict over disputed taxi routes.
The Gauteng Provincial Regulatory Entity (GPRE) recently ruled in favour of NANDUWE, granting the association the right to operate on several contested routes in Soweto and surrounding areas. The routes include:
• Mofolo – Kwa Mthethwa Informal Taxi Rank to Jeppe Station Taxi Rank
• Dube Station Taxi Rank to Jeppe Station Taxi Rank
• Makhetha Garage (Phefeni) Taxi Rank to Jeppe Station Taxi Rank
• Uncle Tom’s Hall Taxi Rank to Jeppe Station Taxi Rank
The decision, announced on January 16, followed extensive discussions involving national, provincial and regional taxi industry stakeholders, including representatives from the Gauteng National Taxi Alliance (GNTA) and the South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO).
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NANDUWE has confirmed that it will begin operations on these routes from January 20.
The GPRE clarified that while WATA may off-load passengers on these routes, it is not permitted to load or bind passengers, as these areas are not designated as starting points for its operations.
MEC appeals for peace
Gauteng MEC for Roads and Transport, Kedibone Diale-Tlabela, has commended both associations for their cooperation and urged them to maintain peace during the transition.
“As a competent body on these matters, I am appealing to parties to respect the decision and ensure the safe travel of commuters in these areas.
“As a provincial government, working with law enforcement agencies, we will do everything in our power to safeguard communities and ensure that normal operations are maintained,” said Diale-Tlabela.
She reaffirmed the provincial government’s commitment to resolving challenges within the taxi industry and restoring peace across the public transport sector.
Industry leaders support the decision
The president of SANTACO, Abner Tsebe, and the deputy president of the National Taxi Alliance (NTA), Piet Mahlangu, who were instrumental in the two-day meeting leading to the decision, expressed their support.
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They urged regional and provincial leaders to assist with the implementation and emphasised that no lives should be lost due to the ruling.
WATA’s legal response
Despite the progress, WATA has indicated that it is consulting with its legal team to appeal the GPRE’s decision.
The department has acknowledged its stance but stressed the importance of peaceful dialogue and adherence to the ruling.
A step toward peace
This decision marks a significant step toward resolving a decade-long conflict that has often turned violent, claiming lives and disrupting communities.
The GDRT remains hopeful that all parties will prioritise the safety and well-being of commuters during this critical period.
Community members are urged to report any incidents or concerns to law enforcement as authorities work to maintain peace and ensure smooth operations in the public transport sector.