Tensions flare at Rea Vaya meeting as taxi owners force Joburg Transport MMC Kunene to leave

JOHANNESBURG - Tensions flared in Soweto as disgruntled taxi owners clashed with Joburg Transport MMC Kenny Kunene during a meeting on the future of the Rea Vaya bus network.

The meeting followed the addition of 45 buses to the Rea Vaya fleet, replacing damaged and decommissioned vehicles.

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But taxi owners, still awaiting payments from PioTrans, the operator of the bus rapid transit system, demanded that Kunene leave before addressing the room.

Tensions came to a head just ten minutes after the MMC arrived. Moments before he was due to speak, he was asked to leave.

"I respect your decision. I will report back to the mayor, thank you," Kunene said.

Attendees said their request was not malicious but rooted in a call for direct engagement with Joburg Mayor Dada Morero.

The core dispute is the introduction of the 45 buses without consulting stakeholders.

Taxi owners accused PioTrans of avoiding outstanding payments by bringing in buses and drivers from KwaZulu-Natal, ignoring agreements made 16 years ago.

It’s unclear if Mayor Morero will step in to address the grievances.