By Ndivhuwo Mukwevho
Millions of rands have been poured into the Thohoyandou taxi rank in Limpopo, yet it remains unused a decade later.
Completed in 2013, the multimillion-rand project is now overgrown with weeds, with broken windows, shattered lights and a collapsed fence.
Located in the heart of Thohoyandou, the planned hub for taxis and businesses has instead become a haven for illegal activities.
People urinate and defecate in the open space, while the building itself serves as a brothel and a hideout for criminals at night. Residents have also turned parts of the rank into an illegal dumping ground.
The Limpopo Department of Transport and Community Safety acknowledges spending more than R275-million on the project, with additional costs expected because of newly-discovered structural defects.
“It’s scary to walk past there, especially after 5pm,” says Joyce Chauke, a vendor who works nearby.
“People gather, smoking drugs, and I’ve heard stories of attacks. At night, it’s used for sex and hiding criminals.”
Stephen Matjena, head of the department responsible for the project, admits the town was wrong in assuming the rank was ready in 2013.
“While it appeared complete and only needed an occupancy certificate, issues were identified that needed addressing with the contractor,” Matjena said.
He blames the contractor for using poor-quality materials and said there are ongoing legal proceedings regarding the matter.
“We can’t wait for the court case,” Matjena said. “We’re restarting the process to refurbish minor issues and hand it over to the municipality.”
Matjena said a new contractor will be hired next month. He estimates completion by the end of the 2025 financial year.
Taxi owner and driver Moses Manenzhe voiced his frustration with the delays.
“We’ve pleaded with both the municipality and the department to finish and open the rank. It’s spacious and has been sitting idle for over 10 years! What are they waiting for?”
Pictured above: The area where the taxi rank was meant to operate.
Image source: Ndivhuwo Mukwevho
