JOHANNESBURG, GAUTENG — In a decisive move to protect critical transit routes, authorities have demolished illegal structures near Joburg bridges along the M1 and M2 highways. Johannesburg Transport MMC Kenny Kunene and Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA) CEO Zweli Nyathi led the oversight inspections, targeting makeshift settlements that the JRA flagged for posing severe structural threats and safety hazards to the vital corridors.
City officials attribute the deteriorating state of these major routes to rampant illegal sand mining and escalating vandalism. Despite ongoing repair efforts, Nyathi highlighted a frustrating cycle where newly restored assets are frequently damaged by criminal elements. To combat this, the JRA is implementing a strategic master plan to prioritize infrastructure in crisis and establish robust reporting mechanisms to justify increased budget requests at the municipal level.
Addressing public speculation, Kunene firmly rejected claims that the high-profile bridge inspections were political electioneering ahead of local government polls. He clarified that conducting oversight and media tours of the city’s transport network has been a standard part of his job since 2023, emphasizing that restoring service delivery remains the sole objective amid what he described as “thorny” challenges involving lawlessness, budget constraints, and political interference.
The oversight visit also sparked intense political exchanges, with Kunene labeling Democratic Alliance stalwart Helen Zille the “slave queen of politics.” He accused the DA of presiding over the vandalism and collapse of several Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) stations during their time in power. Specifically, he pointed to the degradation of facilities in Bosmont, Riverlea, and Noordgesig under the previous administration.
Kunene defended his own track record, stating that after taking over the transport portfolio from ActionSA’s Funzi Ngobeni, his team successfully rehabilitated the BRT stations at Noordgesig, Bosmont, and Riverlea. However, he noted that the Westbury BRT station remains outstanding because the national minister reallocated the designated budget. Despite this setback, Kunene assured Westbury residents that repairs are imminent.
Ultimately, both Kunene and Nyathi stressed that securing adequate funding and curbing lawlessness are essential to reversing the decay of Johannesburg’s transport network and ensuring safe, reliable infrastructure for all residents.