The Freedom Front Plus (VF Plus) warned during the Ekurhuleni Metro Council’s latest meeting that the proposed business plan for the Integrated Rapid Public Transport Network (IRPTN) could have serious financial consequences for residents.
The plan, centred on the Harambee rapid bus network, was not included in the Metro’s 2025/2026 budget or Medium-Term Revenue and Expenditure Framework (MTREF).
According to the documentation tabled to the Council, up to 5% of property taxes – amounting to R325 million per year – will be allocated to the project by 2030.
These funds are not exclusively earmarked and used for the maintenance of affected properties, but flow into the general fiscus. No feasibility studies or oversight reports have been presented to the Council, though, despite being legally required in terms of the Municipal Finance Management Act (MFMA) and the Municipal Systems Act (MSA).
The Freedom Front Plus, consequently, asked that the matter be investigated by the relevant Oversight Committees on Finance and Transport, Roads and Stormwater first.
The proposed bus route covers only certain urban areas, meaning residents in large parts of the Metro will pay taxes for a project from which they derive no benefit.
The Freedom Front Plus, furthermore, demands clarity on how funds are spent under the Harambee banner. A progress report shows that approximately R480 million was paid to the taxi industry between 2016 and 2024 as compensation for revenue losses, with a further R200 million budgeted for 2025 to 2027. No cut-off date or clear payment schedule is indicated in the plan, raising concerns about the sustainability of these subsidies.
Meanwhile, the project has generated only R11,8 million in passenger revenue to date, in contrast to annual expenses exceeding R90 million.
The Freedom Front Plus supports any and all improvements to public transport, but then financial discipline and equitable benefit for all residents should be prioritised.
No project should be approved without proper budgeting and oversight, especially if it is funded with residents’ property taxes and only a small portion of the Metro’s residents benefit.
Freedom Front Plus Self-Determination: The party emphasizes the right to self-determination for communities.
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