2009-12-09:The tragic passing of Mr. Vananda Khumalo of the WATOA
It was with deep regret and sorrow that we learnt last evening of the untimely death of Mr. Vananda Khumalo. He was shot and killed near the YWCA in Dube, Soweto.
The City of Joburg Transport Department and Rea Vaya BRT has worked closely with Mr. Khumalo, in his capacity as a member of the Witwatersrand African Taxi Owners’ Association (WATOA).
“Mr. Khumalo’s graciousness and gentlemanly conduct, as well as the invaluable experience of Johannesburg’s public transport needs, will indeed be sorely missed,” said MMC Rehana Moosajee, MMC for Transport in the City of Joburg.
Moreover, the manner of Mr. Khumalo’s death is condemned in the strongest possible terms. We remain confident that law enforcement agencies will bring his killers to book for this dastardly act.
While the motives of the killing are not clear, the City of Joburg sees this incident as an attack on its public transport transformation project in general and Rea Vaya BRT in particular.
In the interest of citizens the City of Johannesburg will not be deterred from this important path. The roll out of the Rea Vaya BRT continues. At the moment over 16 000 passengers are travelling on the starter service everyday. The City has also taken extensive measures to ensure safety of passengers.
The negotiations with affected operators are proceeding well and will be concluded in the new year. Thereafter the City will be able to roll out a full service using 143 buses with feeder buses to many parts of Soweto. This service will be operated by a bus company made up of affected taxi operators.
This is the time of the year when celebrate achievements of the year and recommit to peace and prosperity in the coming year. We reiterate our position, the door remains open for all those who are outside the process to come in. We remain committed to find lasting solutions with all the players,” said Executive Mayor, Amos Masondo.
The Executive Mayor on behalf of the City of Joburg, passes his sincere condolences to Mr. Khumalo’s family, neighbours and friends. Our thoughts and prayers are with them during this difficult time.
The leader of the South African Commuter Organisation, Mr Steve Sangweni also added his voice by calling on all players in the transport industry to stop fighting and resolve differences through peaceful negotiations. He appealed to all players to come together and help to establish a new transport system and make it possible to achieve a sustainable economy in the country.
Issued by: the City of Johannesburg
For further comment contact
Gabu Tugwana
Communication Director
Public Liaison Department
City of Johannesburg
Office of the Executive Mayor
Tel: 011 407-7162
Fax: 011 339-1531
Cell: 082 495 5673
