The metro recently announced it has completed the handover of an illegal parking facility on Sisulu Street to the Mamelodi Local and Long-Distance Taxi Association (Malldta) to use as a rank.
MMC for Roads and Transport Tlangi Mogale describe this as a significant milestone.
Mogale said the facility at the corner of Nana Sita and Sisulu streets will play a vital role in improving order, safety, and accessibility in the inner-city transport network.
“This site was previously hijacked and unlawfully used as private parking by criminal syndicates. Through a co-ordinated multi-departmental effort, the city successfully reclaimed and repurposed the land for its intended use for public transport,” Mogale said.
He also said the initiative is part of the metro’s broader efforts to formalise and support the taxi industry while improving urban flow management for residents and businesses.
On April 30, the Tshwane Metro’s Bad Buildings Committee closed down an illegal parking facility, impounding several vehicles on site with the assistance of the TMPD.
Mogale thanked Tshwane police for their assistance, as well as the Group Property Transport Development Division and his fellow members of the mayoral committee.
MMC for Corporate and Shared Services and chairperson of the committee Kholofelo Morodi, said the site on Sisulu Street was known as notorious and the move was part of the metro’s efforts to reclaim the city.
“This spot was illegally occupied. For over 20 years, there was someone running an illegal parking operation here, so we have now officially reclaimed it. We urge all residents not to use illegal parking spaces, and if you know of any properties or buildings that are occupied, report them,” Morodi said.
Malldta chairperson and liaison officer of the Tshwane General National Taxi Association, Stemmer Monageng, said he was grateful to the municipality and all the MMCs who showed up for the intervention.
“We’re going to use this place for all Mamelodi taxis, not just Malldta, but all taxis from Mamelodi, so that they can come and have an open bay here,” Monageng said.
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MMC for Environmental and Agriculture Management Obakeng Ramabodu said in the long run, they hope to attract investors who could build a shopping centre, saying that combined with the taxi rank and nearby bus station, it is the model the metro aspires to achieve.
“The plan is to formalise the city and make sure our city is clean and world-class that you can visit anytime,” Ramabodu said.
“The lawlessness must be dealt with. The issue of homelessness must also be addressed; many people are sleeping on these streets, and Social Development must come on board. We’re happy we’re handing over this site to the taxi association to park their taxis, we’re hopeful they’ll take care of it as we continue to reclaim the city,” Ramabodu said.
Mayor Dr Nasiphi Moya also said that the development was more than just a handover but a declaration of the metro’s intent to bring revitalisation to the area and formalised services for residents.
“This handover is more than just the provision of infrastructure – it is a reaffirmation of our commitment to restoring dignity, order, and efficiency to public transport in Tshwane. We commend all departments involved and MALDTA for working to bring about a transport solution that benefits both operators and the public,” Moya said.
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