GOOD Statement by Siyabulela Mamkeli,
GOOD City of Cape Town Councillor
4 December 2025
We note with concern the City of Cape Town’s decision to conclude the deviation contract with the existing MyCiTi Phase 1A Vehicle Operating Companies without an open and competitive tender process.
While the continuity of public transport services is essential, the current deviation arrangement, which extends operations exclusively to Kidrogen, TBRT, and TPI, may unintentionally limit market access for other potential bus operators. This has the effect of reducing competition, restricting innovation, and weakening opportunities for emerging or more cost-efficient service providers.
The City’s decision grants existing operators continued rights to use and manage City-owned buses and infrastructure. Without a transparent procurement process, this approach risks entrenching dominance and undermining the principles of fairness, value for money, and equal opportunity in public transport contracting.
We therefore call on the City to urgently clarify:
1. How are fairness and equal access being upheld during the deviation period, given that no competitive tender was issued?
2. What measures are in place to prevent long-term market exclusion and ensure that future public transport contracts remain open to new operators?
3. The clear timeline for initiating a transparent, competitive tender process for MyCiTi operations once the deviation expires.
Our concern is raised in good faith and in recognition of the City’s operational responsibilities. However, public confidence in the MyCiTi system depends not only on reliable service but also on transparent governance and procurement practices that support competition, transformation, and accountability.
We remain committed to advocating for fair, open, and transparent public transport contracting in Cape Town.
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