After more than 20 years of illegal occupation, the City of Tshwane has officially inaugurated a new taxi rank at the corner of Nana Sita and Sisulu streets in the inner city. The site, previously hijacked by criminal elements and unlawfully used as a private parking facility, has now been reclaimed and handed over to the Mamelodi Local and Long-Distance Taxi Association (Malldta) for legitimate transport operations.
A Milestone for Public Transport
The milestone was announced by the Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Roads and Transport, Tlangi Mogale, who described the development as a “significant step” toward restoring law and order in the capital’s public transport infrastructure.
“This location was once under the control of syndicates who ran illegal parking operations,” said Mogale. “Through coordinated efforts involving several departments, the City managed to repossess and repurpose the space for its intended function—supporting public transport and enhancing accessibility in the inner-city network.”
Crackdown on Illegal Operations
The site had long been a hotspot of illegal activity, until April 30 when Tshwane’s Bad Buildings Committee—backed by the Tshwane Metro Police Department (TMPD)—conducted an operation that shut down the facility and impounded several vehicles.
Improving Urban Transport Flow
The City emphasized that the transformation is part of a larger initiative to formalize and support the taxi industry while addressing urban congestion and improving movement for both residents and businesses.
Reclaiming the City
Kholofelo Morodi, MMC for Corporate and Shared Services and chair of the Bad Buildings Committee, reiterated the city’s commitment to reclaiming public spaces. “This area was illegally occupied for over two decades. We’re calling on residents to avoid using unauthorized parking areas and to report illegally occupied buildings so that we can continue restoring our city.”
A New Era for Mamelodi Taxis
Malldta chairperson and liaison officer for the Tshwane General National Taxi Association, Stemmer Monageng, expressed gratitude to the City and the MMCs for their collaboration. “We’re grateful to be entrusted with this space. It will serve all Mamelodi taxis—not just Malldta members—providing an accessible and safe terminal for commuters and operators alike.”
Future Development Prospects
Looking ahead, MMC for Environmental and Agriculture Management, Obakeng Ramabodu, shared the City’s aspirations for further development in the area. “Our vision includes drawing in investors to establish commercial infrastructure such as a shopping center, taking advantage of the location’s proximity to the new taxi rank and an existing bus station. This is the kind of integrated, world-class urban environment we aim to create.”
Addressing Broader Social Issues
Ramabodu also called for broader societal support, stressing that revitalization must go hand in hand with addressing homelessness and lawlessness. “We need to bring in Social Development and other departments to ensure this progress is sustainable.”
A Commitment to Order and Dignity
Tshwane Mayor Dr. Nasiphi Moya hailed the handover as more than just a functional improvement. “This development symbolizes our commitment to restoring dignity, structure, and efficient services in the city. It reflects a unified effort to improve public transport and the lives of those who rely on it every day.”
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