Taxi tensions: task team to find a way forward

Platinum Weekly newspaper | Rustenburg – Efforts to resolve an ongoing taxi dispute in Rustenburg took another step forward when North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management Tsotso Tlhapi met with affected stakeholders.

In a statement dated 28 October 2026, the department said the dispute involved taxi associations and alleged illegal operators on the Tlhabane–Rustenburg route, with tensions reportedly extending to other local routes serving shopping malls.

The department first became aware of the matter in 2023 and has since worked with stakeholders through the North West Public Transport Intervention Team. Previous engagements produced resolutions, although the department said some had reportedly not been implemented by those affected. During the latest meeting, stakeholders presented their concerns, and Tlhapi resolved to establish a technical committee to address outstanding operational and technical issues.

Led by head of department Dr Hans Kekana, the committee will include all affected stakeholders and must submit a turnaround strategy to the MEC within two weeks. Tlhapi thanked the associations for their continued engagement and emphasised the need to respect the law.

“We can never allow any lawlessness in our province,” she said, warning that uncontrolled taxi operations would hurt commuters who rely on these services every day.