Cape Metropolitan Transport Fund Deficits Raise Serious Accountability Concerns

GOOD Statement by Siyabulela Mamkeli, GOOD City of Cape Town Councillor:

The recent Annual Financial Statements of the Cape Metropolitan Transport Fund reveal a troubling reality: the Fund is operating at a structural deficit, raising serious concerns about sustainability, transparency, and accountability.

The Fund, established under Section 17 of the Urban Transport Act of 1977 and administered by the City of Cape Town, was intended to support metropolitan transport functions through ring-fenced revenue. However, the 2025 financial results show that the Fund recorded a deficit of R454,338, with core operations running at a loss of more than R2.5 million before interest income is taken into account.

In practice, the Fund has no independent bank account, staff, or procurement systems. All financial matters are managed by the City of Cape Town. The Fund survives primarily on interest earned on accumulated reserves, which are steadily declining.

While these deficits appear as accounting figures on paper, residents ultimately carry the consequences.

Public funds continue to be eroded quietly, yet there is limited transparency on how transport-related resources are prioritised and managed. The result is growing pressure on ratepayers as deficits are absorbed into City-held funds, alongside increasing concerns about value for money and long-term financial sustainability.

Transport is not merely an infrastructure issue, it is a matter of access, accountability, and responsible governance.

We therefore call on the City of Cape Town to urgently clarify:

• Whether the Cape Metropolitan Transport Fund still serves its original purpose;

• What concrete steps are being taken to address ongoing operational deficits; and

• How Council will strengthen oversight to ensure public funds are protected and used effectively.

Residents deserve a transport system that is financially sustainable, transparent, and accountable.

GOOD Social Welfare: GOOD supports social welfare programs aimed at assisting the vulnerable.

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