IN CONVERSATION WITH KOKETSO POHO
Loading player...
The suspension of Rea Vaya feeder buses in parts of Soweto has triggered sharp
political and public backlash, with the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) in
Gauteng accusing the City of Johannesburg of making a unilateral and profit-
driven decision that undermines access to affordable public transport. According
to the EFF, the decision was taken without consultation with commuters,
community leadership, or taxi associations, leaving working-class residents
stranded and increasing their daily transport costs.
The EFF places direct responsibility on Johannesburg Mayor Dada Morero and
MMC for Transport Kenny Kunene, accusing the city’s political leadership of
failing to balance the complex relationship between formal bus services and the
taxi industry. The party argues that instead of strengthening integrated public
transport, the city has allowed governance failures, political patronage, and
unresolved conflicts with taxi associations to dictate policy outcomes.
09:35
Rea Vaya feeder buses play a critical role in connecting township residents to
trunk routes, economic hubs, schools, and healthcare facilities. Their suspension
raises broader questions about transport planning, commuter safety, regulatory
enforcement, and whether public transport is being treated as a public good or a
bargaining tool in political and economic negotiations.
The EFF is calling for the immediate reinstatement of the feeder buses, a full
public consultation process, the establishment of a permanent Soweto Transport
Stakeholder Forum, and stronger policing on affected routes. The situation also
places renewed focus on the City of Johannesburg’s ability to manage transport
integration, protect commuter rights, and prevent conflict between different
transport operators without compromising access and dignity for residents.
political and public backlash, with the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) in
Gauteng accusing the City of Johannesburg of making a unilateral and profit-
driven decision that undermines access to affordable public transport. According
to the EFF, the decision was taken without consultation with commuters,
community leadership, or taxi associations, leaving working-class residents
stranded and increasing their daily transport costs.
The EFF places direct responsibility on Johannesburg Mayor Dada Morero and
MMC for Transport Kenny Kunene, accusing the city’s political leadership of
failing to balance the complex relationship between formal bus services and the
taxi industry. The party argues that instead of strengthening integrated public
transport, the city has allowed governance failures, political patronage, and
unresolved conflicts with taxi associations to dictate policy outcomes.
09:35
Rea Vaya feeder buses play a critical role in connecting township residents to
trunk routes, economic hubs, schools, and healthcare facilities. Their suspension
raises broader questions about transport planning, commuter safety, regulatory
enforcement, and whether public transport is being treated as a public good or a
bargaining tool in political and economic negotiations.
The EFF is calling for the immediate reinstatement of the feeder buses, a full
public consultation process, the establishment of a permanent Soweto Transport
Stakeholder Forum, and stronger policing on affected routes. The situation also
places renewed focus on the City of Johannesburg’s ability to manage transport
integration, protect commuter rights, and prevent conflict between different
transport operators without compromising access and dignity for residents.
