MTHATHA, Eastern Cape — Ongoing Mthatha taxi violence and a deepening leadership dispute have prompted urgent provincial intervention, even after a departmental probe cleared the local association’s chairperson of misconduct allegations.
Taxi operators in the region have raised fresh concerns regarding intimidation, lethal attacks, and internal factionalism within the industry. To address the escalating crisis, Eastern Cape Transport MEC Xolile Nqatha convened a high-level meeting to present the findings of a departmental investigation into allegations leveled against Mthatha Taxi Owners Association chairperson Siwa Kena.
Despite the provincial intervention, the investigation’s conclusion has done little to ease the friction on the ground. The departmental probe ultimately found insufficient evidence to substantiate the complaints against Kena. However, for operators challenging the current leadership, the findings have failed to resolve the daily realities of threats and operational disruptions.
The ongoing tensions are set against a backdrop of deadly violence. Operators report that the environment has become increasingly hostile, with claims that more than eight association members have been shot in recent attacks. Furthermore, some operators state they have been entirely blocked from operating at certain taxi ranks, leaving them unable to earn a living.
While the allegations against the chairperson were not substantiated, the probe did highlight significant structural flaws within the association’s operations. The investigation recommended a comprehensive review of how the association conducts its business to prevent ill intentions and unaccountability.
Specifically, the probe highlighted opaque financial practices. Members are required to pay joining fees, general security fees, and additional fees specifically for the chairperson’s security. However, investigators noted that the appointment process for the private security companies engaged to protect the taxi ranks remains unknown to the general membership, creating a severe lack of transparency.
In response to these systemic issues, MEC Nqatha stated that the provincial government’s immediate focus is on tightening operations and enforcing strict accountability across all taxi ranks in the region to restore order and protect the livelihoods of operators.
