Matric candidates in Cape Town were redirected to alternative examination centres on Wednesday after shootings linked to minibus taxi disputes and gang violence disrupted transport in several parts of the city.
The violence was reported in Delft, Khayelitsha, Nyanga, Mfuleni and Gugulethu as thousands of pupils prepared to write their National Senior Certificate English examination.
Western Cape Education MEC Jaco Londt said the provincial education department had activated its security structures and alerted examination centres across the metropolitan area to monitor candidates’ arrival.
Candidates Allowed to Use Nearby Examination Centres
Examination centres were instructed to contact candidates who had not arrived and advise those facing safety or transport difficulties to report to the nearest examination venue as an emergency alternative.
Londt said candidates affected by circumstances beyond their control could still be admitted up to an hour after the examination began.
The arrangements were introduced to help pupils affected by the violence reach examination venues and complete their scheduled papers.
Shooting at Delft Taxi Rank Leaves Two Men Injured
Delft police opened two attempted murder cases and a case of discharging a firearm following a shooting involving minibus taxi drivers at Palm taxi rank at approximately 7am on Wednesday.
Police spokesperson Thembakazi Mpendukana said two adult men were wounded and transported to hospital in a private vehicle.
“No arrest has been made yet, and the investigation is ongoing,” she said.
The shooting formed part of a wider outbreak of violence that raised concerns about public safety and disrupted transport services across several communities.
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Delft Public Transport Interchange Temporarily Closed
The City of Cape Town temporarily closed the Delft public transport interchange as violence between rival minibus taxi associations intensified.
Urban mobility MMC Rob Quintas said the latest incidents were linked to longstanding disputes over taxi routes and operating rights. He also confirmed reports of violence spreading to Mfuleni and Gugulethu.
The city said it was monitoring developments and had deployed resources to protect commuters and public transport infrastructure.
Rival Taxi Associations Remain Locked in Route Disputes
The conflict involves the Cape Amalgamated Taxi Association and the Congress of Democratic Taxi Associations. Disputes between the organisations have continued despite years of mediation, negotiations and intervention by the High Court.
The latest tensions concern contested routes connecting Delft, Epping and Killarney. Authorities have expressed concern that further escalation could affect other major commuter corridors.
Quintas said thousands of passengers relied on the affected services every day and warned that continued violence could disrupt travel to workplaces, schools and other essential destinations.
He called on the associations to resolve their differences through lawful processes and negotiations rather than intimidation and shootings.
Mayor Announces Police Support and Surveillance Assistance
Cape Town mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis said the city was providing full policing support to the South African Police Service (SAPS).
Metro police officers were responding alongside national police to incidents in Delft, Khayelitsha, Mfuleni and Gugulethu, he said.
The city was also making surveillance technology and safety-camera footage available to assist investigations.
Hill-Lewis said officers were maintaining an increased presence around public transport interchanges to protect commuters and monitor developments.
Authorities Urge Taxi Industry Leaders to End Violence
Hill-Lewis called on leaders in the taxi industry to bring the violence to an end, saying commuters should not be forced to bear the consequences of disputes between associations.
Quintas also condemned the disruption, saying innocent passengers were being exposed to the effects of ongoing conflict between rival taxi bodies.
The city said it would continue updating commuters about changes to the operating status of public transport facilities as the situation developed.
