Concerns Regarding Meter Taxi Practices

Noko wa ga Maleka
Blogger – Joburg News 
Broadcaster –  Oneafrica Radiotv 

Councillor Kenny Kunene   
MMC for Transport  
City of Johannesburg  
Urgent Concerns Regarding Meter Taxi Practices and Public Safety in the Johannesburg CBD

Dear Councillor Kunene,

I trust this letter finds you in good health and high spirits as you continue your work to improve the transport landscape of our city.

I write to you not only as a concerned citizen but also as a journalist and broadcaster who frequently interacts with the public on issues affecting our communities. A matter of growing concern has come to my attention — one that not only undermines the credibility of the public transport system but puts the lives of ordinary citizens at risk.

It appears that the so-called meter taxi industry, particularly within the Johannesburg CBD, has all but collapsed in terms of competitive, regulated service delivery. However, certain zones — most notably around Johannesburg Park Station — remain effectively “off limits” for e-hailing services due to the intimidation and territorial control exerted by meter taxi operators.

These operators charge commuters fares that are, on average, 75% higher than their e-hailing counterparts. This pricing is not market-driven, but deliberately inflated to drive commuters toward e-hailing options — which are then forcibly denied access in these zones. This calculated manipulation forces passengers to walk away from safe, well-lit, and monitored areas into isolated spots where they are exposed to criminal activity, including muggings and robbery.

Through investigative engagement, I have found strong indications that what remains of the meter taxi presence at Park Station is no longer a transportation service, but part of a syndicate involving drivers, certain unscrupulous private security personnel, and known criminal elements. Passengers are quite literally chased from designated pick-up zones by security, only to be targeted once outside the premises. The pattern is too consistent to ignore.

As a responsible civic voice, I feel compelled to ask: Are you, Sir, aware of this alarming situation?

And, if I may ask candidly — given your position and your noted interest in transport solutions — would I be wrong to wonder if your office, or perhaps your personal interests, intersect in any way with the e-hailing sector?

The people of Johannesburg deserve transparent answers, safer commuting conditions, and a public transport system that is free from intimidation, syndicates, and price gouging.

I respectfully request a formal response to this letter, as I intend to publish an article on this matter, supported by evidence collected during my investigations. Your input would offer critical perspective and demonstrate accountability to the citizens you serve.

Thank you for your attention to this pressing issue. I look forward to your response.

Warm regards,  
Noko wa ga Maleka
Blogger – Joburg News
Broadcaster – @1AFRICA Radio City of Joburg @highlight 





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