This was the general sentiment by all the speakers who took to the podium in a press briefing at the Bram Fischer Building, meant to officially announce the finalisation of the agreement. 

The municipality will be leasing out the much-publicised Intermodal Transport Facility located in the city’s central business district to the Greater Bloemfontein Taxi Association through its entity, the Free State Taxi Association. 

The former taxi driver, owner and current radio host at Lesedi FM, Thuso Motaung, kicked off the briefing with a hymn and a prayer. He went on to laud the agreement between the taxi association and the municipality, calling it a first for him. 

Mangaung Metro Council Speaker, Mxolisi Siyonzana, says the journey to the finalisation of the lease agreement was tough, “there was mistrust and there were numerous allegations”. He thanked Mayor Olly Mlamleli for pushing through with the process despite the challenges. 

Siyonzana says the lease agreement will empower the local taxi industry giving it more autonomy. Mangaung Metro Municipal Manager, Adv Tankiso Mea, provided some background on the taxi rank and the deal.

He says the facility was meant to be operational in 2010, but they encountered many hurdles. Mea maintained that the municipality will not desert the industry. They will continue to support the industry moving forward. He says the deal answers the call to socio-economic transformation.

It has been reported that mere weeks after the municipality opened the facility in 2011, taxi operators boycotted the building citing several structural issues. These issues included a narrow pathway, as well as congestion at the exit entrance which was exacerbated by these narrow pathways. The speakers so far have not addressed possible renovations to the building and the cost thereof. 

OFM News has been informed that the municipality needs R80 million to renovate this facility.

Public Protector, Busisiwe Mkhwebane, released her report on her investigation into allegations of maladministration by the municipality during the construction of the facility. The report came out in favour of the municipality and it was declared that there was no evidence of maladministration as suggested.

OFM News/Molebogeng Malebo and Olebogeng Motse