This comes despite lingering controversy and scrutiny surrounding the project’s financial and administrative management. Launched in July 2024, the Hauweng Bus Service is currently fully operational on Phase 1C along the Brandwag route. The service represents the first visible milestone of a project marred by years of delays and allegations of mismanagement.

During his State of the City Address this past week, Mayor Gregory Nthatisi outlined the city’s plans to move forward with phases 1A and 1B, which will expand the network to the Moshoeshoe and OR Tambo routes, respectively. He emphasised these developments will be supported by a significant allocation under the Public Transport Network Grant (PTNG).

This after he had stated R144,72 million in the 2025/26 financial year, and R117,77 million and R118,47 million in the two other years in relation to capital projects have been allocated towards the Public Transport Network Grant. The purpose of this grant is to provide funding for accelerated construction and improvement of public and non-motorised transport infrastructure. 

This form part of a municipal integrated public transport network and supports the planning, regulation, control, management, and operations of fiscally and financially sustainable municipal public transport network services.

While the municipality paints an ambitious picture of progress, the project’s controversial history continues to draw attention. Originally initiated in 2016, the IPTN project has come under intense criticism due to cost overruns, alleged mismanagement, and delayed implementation, reportedly costing taxpayers over R2 billion.

‘Payment contravened the Municipal Finance Management Act’

The situation worsened in 2022 when the Minister of Transport Fikile Mbalula called for a forensic investigation into the project. Subsequent findings from the Auditor-General of South Africa (AGSA), released in February 2023, cited a material irregularity involving a nearly R3 million payment made without contractual justification in Phase 1C. The payment contravened the Municipal Finance Management Act (MFMA), amplifying concerns about systemic governance failures.

DA councillor Dirk Kotze laid formal charges against Nthatisi and his executive committee just two months ago. Kotze accused the leadership of turning a blind eye to criminal activities linked to the bus project, resulting in severe financial losses for the city’s residents.

Nthatisi acknowledged previous challenges but assured residents lessons from previous phases would guide future implementation.

OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi dg