City of Johannesburg Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Roads and Transport, Councillor Kenny Kunene, revealed a new fleet of buses aimed at salvaging the embattled Piotrans, the company responsible for running the Rea Vaya bus services in Johannesburg. The move comes after months of controversy, service interruptions, and financial challenges, leading to Piotrans being placed under business rescue.
Kunene attributed the financial issues to corruption within the company, particularly pointing fingers at the former board chair and former chief executive. He expressed gratitude to Mandla Gcaba, a Durban-based taxi boss, for assisting Piotrans in acquiring the new fleet of buses when other financial institutions and bus companies refused due to the company’s poor financial status.
Kunene recounted his involvement in addressing the challenges faced by Piotrans, including recommending the dismissal of the CEO and supporting the business rescue process. He emphasized his commitment to helping the 299 families who are shareholders in the business, many of whom were former taxi operators now part of a formal corporate structure.
The MMC reached out to Mandla Gcaba, referring to him as a hero, and secured a deal for new buses to benefit the shareholders. Kunene highlighted the positive impact of the new buses, stating that they would bring more income to the shareholders.
He urged the business rescue practitioner appointed by the High Court to stay and save Piotrans, emphasizing the need to give him a chance to turn the company around and generate revenue for the shareholders. Kunene expressed joy at witnessing smiles on the faces of the shareholders, thanking them for their trust and stating that their belief in him had shaped him into a better leader.