WATCH: MMC Kunene opens new taxi rank at Mall of the South
Six taxi associations will operate from the new R45-million facility.
The City of Johannesburg has taken a significant step towards improving public transport infrastructure with the official opening of a new taxi rank at Mall of the South in Aspen Hills.
Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Transport Kenny Kunene officially unveiled the R45m taxi rank on July 31, describing it as a milestone that restores dignity to both commuters and taxi operators.
The launch was attended by representatives from Redefine Properties, the Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport, the Johannesburg Gauteng National Taxi Association (JGNTA), and the South African National Taxi Council (Santaco) Greater Johannesburg Region.
@southern.courier MMC for Transport, Kenny Kunene cuts the ribbon to officially open the new taxi rank at Mall of the South. Full story on southerncourier.co.za
The dedicated on-site taxi rank was funded by Redefine Properties to address long-standing safety and accessibility challenges faced by commuters travelling to and from the shopping centre.
“To resolve long-standing accessibility and safety challenges for public transport commuters, Redefine Properties funded a R45m infrastructure upgrade to construct a dedicated, on-premises taxi rank at Mall of the South,” said Kunene.
@southern.courier Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Transport Kenny Kunene officially unveiled the R45m taxi rank on July 31, describing it as a milestone that restores dignity to both commuters and taxi operators. Full story on southerncourier.co.za
“It was very important for government and business to work together to realise this project for the benefit of all stakeholders, especially commuters, and that is exactly what we have achieved.”
JGNTA representative Zweli Mchunu welcomed the investment, saying the partnership between the taxi industry and the mall benefits both parties.
“They are nothing without us and similarly we are nothing without them. We wish all shopping malls would recognise us as business partners because we bring customers from across the region. We appreciate and respect this investment, and we want commuters to feel at home here,” he said.
@southern.courier Member of Johannesburg Gauteng National Taxi Association, Zweli Mchunu welcomed the investment, saying the partnership between the taxi industry and the mall benefits both parties. Full story on southerncourier.co.za
Kunene said the city had long been concerned about taxis operating along surrounding streets, creating safety risks for both motorists and pedestrians.
“I have recommended to council that taxi ranks should be managed by taxi associations because this is their livelihood. We need to keep this facility clean, safe and free from crime.
@southern.courier Thembela Tutu from Gauteng Department of Road and Transport specialisin in registration and monitoring, Thembela Tutu. Full story on southerncourier.co.za
“The taxi industry drives the economy of this country. We want South Africans to benefit from opportunities at taxi ranks, whether as vendors or through other forms of economic participation. We also appeal for peace within the industry because there have been far too many killings,” he said.
Six registered taxi associations will operate from the new facility:
• Katlehong People’s Taxi Association
• Greater Alberton Taxi Association
• Zonkizizwe Taxi Association
• Orange Farm United Taxi Association
• Bara City Taxi Owners Association
• Faraday Taxi Association
Beyond improving transport services, the new taxi rank is expected to enhance commuter safety by replacing roadside drop-off points along Swartkoppies Road and Kliprivier Drive with a secure, on-site facility that offers direct access to the mall while protecting passengers from traffic and adverse weather.
The development also includes 24-hour CCTV surveillance and private security, with dedicated taxi and e-hailing zones designed to reduce congestion and operational conflict.
@southern.courier The launch was attended by representatives from Redefine Properties, the Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport, the Johannesburg Gauteng National Taxi Association (JGNTA), and the South African National Taxi Council (Santaco) Greater Johannesburg Region. Full story on southerncourier.co.za
The new facility strengthens regional connectivity by providing direct taxi access between Mall of the South and key transport hubs, including Bara in Soweto, Bree in central Johannesburg, Katlehong and Orange Farm.
