Taxi services will resume today after two associations which have been at loggerheads over routes yesterday undertook to lay down their weapons.
The peace talks come after eight taxi operators were shot and killed in less than 24 hours this week.
The shocking incidents prompted the MEC for Transport Daylin Mitchell to call an urgent meeting to try and resolve the matter.
Yesterday hundreds of commuters were left stranded after both Codeta and Cata refused to put their drivers’ lives at risk.
Codeta secretary general Andile Khanyi says they decided to stop all operations after the shootings on Wednesday.
“Our drivers were murdered and we decided that we should not let anyone drive because they are important to us also and we care,” he says.
Cata’s secretary general Mandla Hermanus says they withdrew their taxis, fearing for the safety of their drivers and passengers.
MEC Mitchell held an urgent meeting with the SA National Taxi Council (Santaco), Cata and Codeta and senior government officials to stop the bloodshed.
“This was to address the current state of taxi violence and disruptions that has been plaguing the Western Cape,” he said.
“In a forthright but constructive problem solving meeting yesterday afternoon, the parties agreed to ensure that taxi transport operations will be fully functional as from today, 9 July 2021.
“A pledge for peace that secures lives and livelihoods will be signed by both Cata and Codeta as a public acknowledgement of their commitment to peaceful engagements and to ensuring a safe and reliable transport system.
“Cata and Codeta committed to revert to their constituencies and leadership to find options in order to resolve the issue of routes in Paarl in the interim while awaiting the outcome of the arbitration process which is already underway.
“Both Cata and Codeta agreed to an immediate ceasefire and stopping of all forms of violence and destabilisation.”
Mitchell says he wants the police to play their part: “While we want to restore peace and calm, we will not compromise on the rule of law and the safety of commuters.
“The murderers and criminals must be brought to justice. I urge the SAPS and other law enforcement agencies to leave no stone unturned in their investigation.”
Since the beginning of the year, 71 people have been killed in the taxi violence.