The City of Tshwane has officially handed over a long-contested inner-city site to the Mamelodi Local and Long-Distance Taxi Association (Malldta) for use as a taxi rank. Located at the corner of Nana Sita and Sisulu Streets, this space had been illegally occupied and used as a private parking lot for over two decades.
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Reclaiming a Hijacked Space for the Public Good
For more than 20 years, the site served as an illicit parking operation run by criminal syndicates. This illegal activity hindered the proper use of valuable public land in the heart of the city. On April 30, the Tshwane Metro’s Bad Buildings Committee, with assistance from the Tshwane Metro Police Department (TMPD), shut down the unlawful operation and impounded several vehicles from the site.
MMC for Roads and Transport, Tlangi Mogale, hailed the success. Reclaiming the space as a “milestone” in Tshwane’s broader effort to formalise the transport sector. “This site was previously hijacked and unlawfully used as private parking. Through a coordinated, multi-departmental effort, we’ve reclaimed and repurposed the land for its intended use-public transport,” Mogale said.
Enhancing Urban Mobility and Safety
The transformation of the site into a taxi rank aims to bring order, safety, and improved accessibility to Tshwane’s inner-city transport network. It also supports the metro’s goal of formalising the taxi industry and enhancing traffic flow management for both residents and local businesses.
“This new taxi rank will play a vital role in decongesting the city and improving commuter experiences,” added Mogale. The move is particularly meaningful for taxi operators and daily commuters from Mamelodi, who have long lacked a centralised, designated space in the city centre.
A Collaborative Effort to Clean Up the City
The handover was the result of collaborative work across several metro departments. MMC for Corporate and Shared Services and chairperson of the Bad Buildings Committee, Kholofelo Morodi, described the site as “notorious” and emphasised the city’s resolve to clean up and reclaim illegally occupied spaces.
“For over 20 years, this location operated as an illegal parking lot. We now urge residents to avoid using such illegal spaces and report any similarly occupied properties,” Morodi stated.
MMC for Environmental and Agriculture Management, Obakeng Ramabodu, echoed the sentiment, noting the long-term vision for the area. “Our aim is to formalise and beautify the city. With the taxi rank, bus station, and potential for a new shopping centre, we’re building a model urban hub,” he said.
Ramabodu also addressed broader social issues linked to urban decay. “Lawlessness must be dealt with. We also need to address homelessness in the city. Social Development must come on board,” he urged.
A New Chapter for Mamelodi Taxi Operators
Malldta chairperson and liaison officer of the Tshwane General National Taxi Association, Stemmer Monageng, expressed gratitude to the city and its leadership. “This is not just for Malldta, but for all Mamelodi taxis. We now have a central, open bay for our taxis,” he said. Monageng assured that the taxi operators would take good care of the facility and use it responsibly.
A Vision of Urban Revitalisation
Executive Mayor Dr. Nasiphi Moya framed the handover as part of a larger mission to restore dignity and order to the capital city. “This is more than infrastructure-it’s a declaration of intent. We’re committed to restoring public transport and reclaiming our city. I commend all involved in making this vision a reality,” she said.
The transformation of the illegally used Sisulu Street site into a formal taxi rank marks a pivotal step in Tshwane’s broader urban regeneration agenda. By prioritising safety, functionality, and dignity, the metro is not only supporting the taxi industry but also revitalising public spaces for the benefit of all its residents. This handover signals a hopeful future for Mamelodi commuters and a cleaner, more organised capital city.
