Joburg Urged to Shut Down Illegal Bus Stations Amid Claims of Crime and Unfair Competition

Calls for the City of Johannesburg to crack down on illegal bus stations are growing louder, as transport groups and civil society raise concerns about illicit activity, undocumented immigration, and a breakdown in law enforcement.

According to Phumudzo Mukhwathi, chairperson of the African Unite Borders Bus Trucks Association, at least two unregulated bus depots are operating in Braamfontein, with another one near Park Station. These sites, he claims, are being used not just for unauthorised passenger services but also for transporting illegal goods and undocumented migrants between South Africa and Zimbabwe.

“These illegal stations have been operating for a long time and the government did not even try to shut them down,” said Mukhwathi. “We’ve alerted authorities, including the MMC for Transport Kenny Kunene, but no action was taken.”

He further alleged that some buses use fraudulent permits and escape routine inspections, creating an uneven playing field for legally operating businesses.

Unanswered Warnings, Questionable Permits

In January 2024, police reportedly intercepted a bus carrying a group of undocumented Zimbabwean nationals. Despite that breakthrough, Mukhwathi said the transport sector has received no meaningful feedback from law enforcement since.

“It’s unfair competition. We’ve done our part, reported everything. If the city continues to fail us, we’re going to seek legal action,” he warned.

Unions and Civic Groups Echo Concerns

Amanda Tshemese, spokesperson for the South African Transport and Allied Workers Union (SATAWU), said the union would investigate the situation and push for engagement with city officials.

“You can’t have illegal companies or immigrants operating when millions of South Africans are unemployed,” said Tshemese.

Nozibusiso Khambule from the March in March Movement, a group advocating against illegal immigration, echoed these sentiments. She claimed the stations are owned and operated by foreign nationals who flout tax, safety, and municipal regulations.

“Legitimate businesses pay rent, follow the law, and support the economy. Illegal ones don’t—and they undercut everyone else,” she said.

Khambule also warned of the broader impact on the inner city: urban decay, increased congestion, and a growing culture of lawlessness.

Silence from the City

As of publication, the City of Johannesburg has not responded to repeated questions about the status of these bus depots or whether enforcement actions are being considered.

For now, the illegal stations continue to operate in broad daylight, with little clarity on whether the city intends to act or leave law-abiding operators and commuters to bear the consequences.

{Source: The Citizen}

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