Residents in Mfuleni have expressed growing frustration after the suspension of taxi services to Somerset West, according to reports by EWN. At least ten major routes connecting Mfuleni and Khayelitsha to destinations including Somerset West, Lwandle, and Nomzamo have been shut down as a direct result of ongoing violence within the taxi industry. The shutdown comes in the wake of deadly attacks targeting both taxi operators and commuters, stemming from a violent dispute between rival groups—the Cape Amalgamated Taxi Association (CATA) and the Cape Organisation for the Democratic Taxi Association (CODETA).
Authorities announced that the closures will remain in place for 30 days, or until both associations can reach a formal peace settlement. In the interim, Metrorail and Golden Arrow Bus Services have been tasked with providing additional transport capacity to ease the burden on stranded commuters. For many, however, these alternatives remain inconvenient, costly, and time-consuming. Community members have voiced concern that the prolonged absence of reliable taxi services could severely affect livelihoods, access to work, schools, and essential services. Transport analysts have further warned that unless long-term structural reforms are introduced to address deep-seated rivalries in the taxi industry, temporary shutdowns are likely to recur, with devastating consequences for the economy of the Western Cape.
Mother in Court Over Son’s Murder
In a separate case, SABC News reports that Tiffany Meek, who stands accused of the murder of her 11-year-old son, Jayden-Lee, is scheduled to make another appearance in the Roodepoort Magistrate’s Court. Meek was previously denied bail in July after prosecutors argued that she not only killed her child but also attempted to conceal the crime. According to National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson Phindi Mjonondwane, the court will receive an update on the progress of ongoing investigations during this hearing.
The tragic case has drawn widespread public attention, sparking debates about child protection and mental health challenges faced by parents. Advocacy groups have urged for the matter to be handled with sensitivity while calling for more resources to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
Shell’s Seismic Exploration Faces Constitutional Court Challenge
Meanwhile, communities along the Wild Coast continue to resist seismic exploration activities proposed by oil and gas giant Shell. Lawyers representing affected residents argue that genuine consultation is essential before any mining-related operations are carried out. They stress that the dignity of these communities must be respected and that dismissive approaches to consultation are unacceptable.
The dispute has now reached the Constitutional Court, where communities and environmental organizations are challenging a decision by the Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA) that granted Shell the right to proceed with its application for seismic testing. Concerns remain high over the potential environmental impact of seismic blasting, particularly the risks of marine life disruption and sea contamination.
Prominent lawyer Tembeka Ngcukaitobi, representing the communities, emphasized that the case should serve as a precedent for future development projects, underscoring that corporations cannot disregard community interests without judicial consequences. Environmental experts have also cautioned that the issue reflects broader tensions between economic development and environmental sustainability in South Africa, warning that unchecked exploration could damage both marine ecosystems and the cultural heritage of coastal communities.
