Joburg Transport Portfolio Swings on Political Deals While Commuters Suffer
Press Statement by Cllr Joyce Ntombela
ActionSA Joburg Caucus Deputy Chief Whip
ActionSA notes with deep concern the latest developments surrounding the reappointment of Councillor Kenny Kunene as the MMC for Transport in the City of Johannesburg.
Over the past two weeks, residents of Johannesburg have watched a crucial service portfolio tossed around in backroom negotiations and coalition ultimatums between the ANC and the Patriotic Alliance. This is not governance – it is political bartering at the expense of millions of commuters who rely on buses, taxis, and safe roads every day.
First, Kunene was forced to resign amid serious allegations linking him to organised crime investigations.
Then, the PA’s proposed replacement, Liam Jacobs, was blocked by the ANC in a clear display of factional horse-trading.
The PA responded with a seven-day ultimatum to the ANC: reinstate Kunene or risk the collapse of the coalition.
Now, Kunene has been hastily reappointed, without a single word about the state of Joburg’s collapsing roads and transport system.
Meanwhile, Metrobus remains unreliable, Rea Vaya corridors are falling apart, taxi rank safety is unaddressed and the city’s roads are crumbling.
ActionSA’s Position is Clear:
Johannesburg deserves competent leaders chosen for their ability to deliver services, not as bargaining chips in unstable coalitions.
ActionSA will never issue ultimatums over positions. We will only issue ultimatums over service benchmarks – whether buses are on time, potholes are repaired and commuters are safe.
Our 2026 campaign will be anchored on binding service compacts with residents, public dashboards to track delivery and accountability contracts for every ActionSA councillor.
Joburg’s commuters deserve better than this political circus. ActionSA is ready to provide leadership rooted in competence, accountability and community control.
Joburg Transport Portfolio Swings on Political Deals While Commuters Suffer
ActionSA notes with deep concern the latest developments surrounding the reappointment of Councillor Kenny Kunene as the MMC for Transport in the City of Johannesburg.
Over the past two weeks, residents of Johannesburg have watched a crucial service portfolio tossed around in backroom negotiations and coalition ultimatums between the ANC and the Patriotic Alliance. This is not governance – it is political bartering at the expense of millions of commuters who rely on buses, taxis, and safe roads every day.
Meanwhile, Metrobus remains unreliable, Rea Vaya corridors are falling apart, taxi rank safety is unaddressed and the city’s roads are crumbling.
ActionSA’s Position is Clear:
Joburg’s commuters deserve better than this political circus. ActionSA is ready to provide leadership rooted in competence, accountability and community control.