Retired Supreme Court of Appeal Judge Ian Farlam has been appointed by the Western Cape government in Cape Town to mediate the ongoing conflict between minibus taxi operators in the area.   The conflict turned violent in September. 

According to Donald Grant, Transport and Public Works MEC, “The two minibus taxi groupings, the current South African National Taxi Council executive and the so-called Minibus Taxi Industry ‘Task Team’, have both agreed to the appointment of Judge Farlam, as well as to the terms of reference for the mediation process.  ”

He further explained that Judge Farlam met with a task team of certain people involved in the dispute recently.   The judge is expected to examine the root cause of the dispute concerning the election of new leadership within the taxi industry and assist the group in finding a solution that will work long-term for all involved. 

As the dispute raged, buses were stoned and burning barricades set up in area roads around Cape Town.   Taxi operators went on strike and were also protesting the city’s policies on impounding their vehicles.   According to Grant, commuters were affected by the strife throughout the taxi industry. 

Grant further explained, “It is still of concern to me that internal divisions are threatening the stability of the minibus-taxi industry and with it, the means of transport of many citizens in our province.   I initiated this mediation process to resolve the impasse between the disputing groups and to chart a way forward that would result in an inclusive and democratic election of new industry leadership ”.