Mayor Morero dismisses unilateral suspension claims of Rea Vaya bus, demands evidence from Kunene
The office of the Executive Mayor of Johannesburg Dada Morero has rejected claims that the suspension of Rea Vaya feeder bus services in Soweto was handled without consultation or technical input, describing such assertions as misleading.
This follows a media statement issued by the Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Transport, Kenny Kunene, which suggested that the decision to suspend the services was taken unilaterally.
In a statement from the mayor’s office, Morero said the allegations do not accurately reflect the internal processes of the City of Johannesburg.
He emphasised that members of the mayoral committee are bound by the principle of collective responsibility and are expected to address issues through established executive governance structures.
“Matters of this nature should be addressed through the appropriate internal processes before public statements are made, particularly where such commentary risks misleading residents or undermining confidence in the City’s leadership,” read the statement.
Morero has formally written to Kunene requesting evidence to support the claims made in his public statement, as well as an explanation for why internal executive channels were not followed prior to its release.
Earlier, Kunene distanced himself from the suspension of Rea Vaya feeder bus services in Soweto, saying the decision was taken unilaterally by Morero and that he has been wrongly blamed for the shutdown.
In a statement, Kunene said he was compelled to clarify the matter after public perception and internal developments suggested responsibility lay with his office.
“The non-operation of the Rea Vaya feeder buses does not arise from any decision, instruction or failure on my part or that of officials within the Department of Transport,” Kunene said.
“The decision to halt the feeder bus services was taken unilaterally by the executive mayor and is therefore not attributable to the MMC for Transport or his office.”
Kunene emphasised that the feeder buses are not optional services but a legally embedded component of the City’s Bus Rapid Transit system.
“The feeder bus services form an integral and legislated part of the Rea Vaya Bus Rapid Transit system. Their operation is governed by national transport legislation, policy frameworks and funding conditions, and they are intended to ensure seamless access to the trunk routes for commuters,” said Kunene.
He said technical advice within the city, supported by national government guidance, warned against suspending the services.
“Officials advised that the continued operation of the feeder buses was consistent with guidance from National Treasury and the National Department of Transport,” Kunene said. “The suspension of these services carries potential legal and financial consequences for the City of Johannesburg.”
He said he escalated the matter beyond the city.
“I have escalated this matter to the Minister of Transport and the Minister of Finance in the interests of transparency and accountability,” Kunene said. “Given that Rea Vaya is supported through national funding and policy, this issue has implications that extend beyond the City of Johannesburg.”
Kunene maintained that his office had acted within the law at all times, describing the suspension as a political decision rather than an operational one.
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