By Thapelo Molefe
The suspension of Rea Vaya feeder bus services in Soweto has triggered a political backlash at the Johannesburg Metro, with the Economic Freedom Fighters in Gauteng accusing Mayor Dada Morero’s administration of sacrificing working class commuters to appease taxi interests.
In a statement this week, the EFF Gauteng condemned the “unilateral and ill-advised” decision by the City of Joburg to halt feeder buses that link Soweto residents to the Bus Rapid Transit system.
The party said the move would immediately deny thousands of commuters access to safe, affordable and reliable public transport.
“The unfortunate victims of this misgovernance and poor leadership are ordinary working class residents who truly need these feeder buses for daily mobility and survival,” the EFF said.
The party accused the city leadership of making a profit-driven decision without consulting affected communities, commuter structures or transport stakeholders.
According to the EFF, the suspension reflects a failure by political oversight bodies and taxi associations to resolve long standing tensions around route integration, with commuters bearing the brunt of the fallout.
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The EFF also turned its fire on Joburg MMC for Transport Kenny Kunene, accusing him of incompetence and lacking the capacity to lead a critical department.
“Instead of strengthening public transport systems, this office has been reduced to a vehicle for political patronage, corruption and resource extraction for narrow party interests,” the party said.
Rea Vaya feeder buses play a key role in connecting residential areas in Soweto to main trunk routes, providing a low cost alternative for commuters travelling to work, schools and health facilities.
The EFF said treating public transport as a private business rather than a public service undermines the dignity and survival of township residents.
The party demanded the immediate reinstatement of all suspended feeder bus services, particularly those serving Soweto.
It also called for a full public consultation process before any future decisions affecting public transport are taken, involving commuters, taxi associations, community leadership and transport stakeholders.
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Among its proposals, the EFF urged the city to establish a permanent Transport Stakeholder Forum for Soweto to manage route integration and resolve conflicts between operators. It further called for the strengthening of the JMPD Rea Vaya Safety Unit to restore commuter confidence.
The party said it would engage the Gauteng Provincial Department of Transport and the City of Joburg to fast track the issuing and regulation of operating permits for buses to ensure legality and stability in the sector.
It also pledged to engage the Soweto Taxi Association to balance the role of taxis in the township economy with residents’ right to affordable and efficient transport.
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