The Africa Unite Borders Bus Trucks Association (AUBBTA) has accused Johannesburg’s MMC for Transport and acting Executive Mayor Kenny Kunene of misleading the public by failing to shut down what they describe as illegal bus ranks in the city.
AUBBTA association’s chairperson, Mukhwathi Phumudzo, claimed in an interview that Kunene had promised in 2023 to close unauthorized ranks but has since turned a “blind eye” to the issue, allowing them to continue operating.
What Are Illegal Bus Ranks?
According to Phumudzo, illegal bus ranks are unauthorized pick-up and drop-off points that operate without approval from the City of Johannesburg and the Cross-Border Road Transport Agency. He stated that only two legal ranks exist in the city—[Park Station] and Fleet of Africa Bus Rank—while multiple others function unlawfully.
Broken Promises and Suspected Corruption
Phumudzo alleged that Kunene personally inspected some of these illegal ranks in Braamfontein but failed to take action despite publicly claiming to have shut them down.
“We are very disappointed because the MMC is doing a blind eye to these issues,” Phumudzo said. “He knows exactly who the owners of these ranks are, yet they continue operating as if nothing happened.”
The association suspects corruption, claiming that some officials may be colluding with rank owners. Phumudzo cited past incidents where buses were caught transporting undocumented immigrants and even stolen goods, suggesting that lax enforcement enables criminal activity.
MMC Kunene Under Fire
Phumudzo criticized Kunene for focusing on “publicity stunts,” such as visiting border areas to address immigration issues, while ignoring the root problem within Johannesburg.
“The root cause comes from the city,” he said. “Unless they engage the relevant authorities properly, this problem won’t stop.”
What’s Next?
While Phumudzo did not disclose the association’s next steps, he warned that Kunene must “take the blame” for the ongoing issue. The association has reportedly gathered intelligence on illegal operations and plans to escalate the matter further.
Efforts to reach MMC Kunene for comment were unsuccessful at the time of publication.
The allegations raise serious concerns about transport regulation in Johannesburg, with the Africa Unite Borders Bus Trucks Association vowing to keep pressure on city officials until action is taken.
