In 2021, it cost R7.6 million to build and refurbish the Ngqamakhwe taxi rank near Butterworth in the Eastern Cape. But the refurbished rank remains abandoned and desolate.
The rank was handed over to the taxi associations, but police and municipal law enforcement allegedly advised it not to be used due to taxi violence and wars.
According to Mnquma Local Municipality spokesperson Loyiso Mpalantshane, most taxi wars and cases of violence are related to fights over routes and about 20 lives have been lost since 2021 and 2022. “I want this to end, we wish to use the rank.”
The taxi rank is starting to look dilapidated with unkept grass. The Taxi Association chairperson Phumzile Jwathi said they have access to the rank, but have been waiting for the municipality to install lights and a rail for the sliding gate, and also to fix the doors and the fencing.
Cece Smith 
Bongi Sikelo 