26 July 2009

The Inkatha Freedom Party has called on the Public Protector to intervene in the controversy generated by the collapse of the Remant Alton Bus Company. Speaking to IFP members in a rally held today at Albert Park to protest the collapse of the Remant Alton Bus Company, Joshua Mazibuko, IFP Deputy Secretary told ululating party members that they had written to the Public Protector asking his office to persuade the eThekwini Municipality to institute an independent investigation into the tax-payers' money that was ploughed in to rescue the bus company.

"We are also assembled here to protest about the plight of the many families who face hunger because of the collapse of the Remant Bus Company. In addition, we are angry because as a result, multitudes of learners, workers and general commuters have been left suffering unable to reach their destinations in time because of the closure of this company," Mazibuko said.

He also told the audience that they had written to the MEC for Local Government, Mr. Willis Mchunu urging him also to ensure that such an investigation takes place.

'Firstly, we say the Municipality has a responsibility to ensure that not a single person among the former employees of the collapsed bus company lose their job, because they are not the cause of the collapse of this company. Families who depend on these employees must not be crucified for the sins they have not committed.

"Secondly, the Municipality must not ignore eThekwini-based transport companies that have expressed interest in getting involved in taking over the contract. Justice in our view demands that locally-based companies must be given first preference.

"Thirdly, and importantly, we are still waiting for the Municipality to give a detailed report on what happened to the money that was ploughed into the Remant Bus Company. This company was given a R70m contract in 2003. When the Municipality realized that it had financial problems, they bought the busses back at a cost of R405m five years later. It was however, agreed that Remant Alton would remain the operator and would lease the buses from the municipality. It failed regardless.

"We are therefore calling for an independent investigation that will trace each and every cent of the tax-payers money and expose the factors that led to the failure of the company," ended Mazibuko.   

For Further Information:

M. Joshua Mazibuko

IFP Deputy Secretary                            072 927 0993