GO!Durban public transport project faces delays as city struggles with taxi negotiations
eThekwini Mayor Cyril Xaba addressed the ongoing delays of the city’s ambitious rapid transit project, GO! Durban, which is hindered by negotiations with the taxi industry.
Image: File
The Democratic Alliance (DA) in eThekwini has accused the municipality of “reckless governance” over the stalled GO!Durban public transport project, following Mayor Cyril Xaba’s admission that the system cannot launch without full buy-in from the taxi industry.
“This admission confirms the DA’s long-standing position that GO!Durban is not a transport project, but a stalled and unmanaged liability that continues to bleed ratepayer money with no resolution in sight,” the party said in a statement.
More than R8 billion has been spent on the project since its inception, yet no scheduled services are operational.
“Residents are forced to watch as completed stations stand empty, while the municipality spends millions every month on security, cleaning, and maintenance for the infrastructure that delivers zero public benefit,” the DA said.
The party claims the city is spending R2.3 million monthly on operating costs for unused facilities and that National Treasury has already withheld and reclaimed funding due to non-performance.
“There is no credible, time-bound implementation plan despite repeated assurances,” the DA said,
“GO!Durban has become a symbol of wasted opportunity, poor planning, and political cowardice.” added DA
The eThekwini Mayoral spokesperson, Mluleki Mntungwa said the municipality was committed to a cooperative rollout of the project, in line with national policy.
“The municipality believes in constructive engagement with all stakeholders, therefore, the Mayor was emphasising the centrality of consensus in the successful implementation of the project,” says Mntungwa.
Mntungwa said that the city confirmed it was undertaking an intensive and structured engagement process with affected minibus taxi and bus operators on the C3, C1, C9 and inner City Distribution System (ICDS) services.
“This process includes negotiations on operating contracts and alignment on phased corridor implementation. The C3 corridor is targeted for commencement in the 2026/27 financial year, subject to completion of negotiations, fleet readiness and final infrastructure checks,” Mntungwa added
On the DA’s criticism of ongoing costs, the city said the expenditure is necessary to protect public assets.
“These investments were aimed at delivering long-term quality public transport solutions and preserving strategic assets,” Mntungwa said.
“Expenditure related to security and maintenance is necessary to protect public assets while the implementation of other programme components such as contract negotiations are ongoing.”
The DA has called for a full forensic audit into the project’s finances, delays, and contractual obligations. But the city says oversight is already in place.
“The GO!Durban programme is subject to ongoing oversight processes, including internal audits, Auditor General reviews, and National Departments of Transport and Treasury monitoring,” said Mntungwa.
“Any additional review processes will be considered in line with legislative requirements and governance best practice.”
Despite the delays, the city insists GO!Durban remains a priority.
“Current activities include concluding operating contracts with affected minibus taxi and bus operators, finalising institutional arrangements and ensuring the readiness of systems,”
“As progress is being made… the municipality will announce a phased service commencement programme.”
For now, the buses remain idle, the stations empty, and the political battle over GO!Durban’s future continues.
*In the print version of this story, eThekwini Mayor Cyril Xaba was erroneously identified as his predecessor, Mxolisi Kaunda. The error is deeply regretted.