Mlamleli will also formally announce the name of the Bus Rapid Transit System (BRTs) at a spot known as Sechaba, opposite roadworks that are currently underway in the area meant to ready the city’s roads for the system. 

Moshoeshoe Road, which is currently being revamped and prepped for the system, has been cordoned off by traffic officials with motorists being diverted to use alternative routes. Members of the community and guests are still streaming to the tent where Mlamleli is set to make the announcement. There is a heavy police presence in the area as well. 

Although there is a palpable sense of excitement, some people like Thabo Lekhu are very sceptical of the project. Lekhu asks what is going to happen to the taxi industry and Interstate Bus Lines after this project is introduced.

The metro has previously maintained it has entered into an agreement with the taxi industry regarding the introduction of the Integrated Public Transport Network (IPTN), refuting reports that the taxi industry is opposed to the system. Spokesperson Qondile Khedama said the metro is continuously engaging taxi owners and the industry at large on a monthly basis, adding there is a Joint Technical Committee on the matter – which includes the taxi leadership - directly contradicting Lekhu’s concerns.

The municipality has previously been mum as to how much was allocated for the project. In October 2018, Khedama said, in a written response to OFM News’ questions on the matter, that a grant was initially allocated in the 2006/7 financial year, but did not specify as to how much was allocated. 

OFM News has reliably learned that R48 million was allocated to the municipality in March of 2016. The municipality is said to have, in turn, spent R58 million towards the Integrated Public Transport Network (IPTN) that year, overspending on the money allocated. This allocation and expenditure were not included in the 2015/16 budget, because the transfer occurred after the budget adjustment. The records indicate that the municipality says there was no over-expenditure.

OFM News