IT is with the deepest sadness that the City of Joburg has learnt about the sudden and untimely passing away of an outstanding leader and human being, Mr Sicelo Mabaso.

Mr Mabaso was the first chairperson of the Rea Vaya Phase 1A bus operating company, Piotrans. He is also the chairperson of Top Six Taxi Management and in such capacity led the taxi industry in over three years of engagement and over one year of negotiations with the City of Joburg to become the first taxi industry owners in South Africa of a bus operating company.

"His sudden passing is a great shock and his loss and leadership capacity will leave a massive void in Piotrans, Top Six Management, the church and sporting fraternity and no doubt in the lives of all who knew him and were honoured to have their lives touched by him", said Cllr Rehana Moosajee, MMC for Transportation in the City of Joburg.

He has had a long association with the City of Joburg in partnering with us on many aspects of taxi industry transformation.  In addition to the empowerment of the taxi industry through enabling their economic participation in the bus operating company and other parts of the Rea Vaya BRT, he has been involved with the City in improving the lives of taxi operators and resolving mini bus taxi industry conflict.

The City of Joburg extends its condolences to Mr Mabaso’s family, friends and the large transportation family which he has been part of.

"Our special condolences to the Piotrans Board and staff where he will no doubt be sorely missed.  The name Piotrans, which comes from Pioneer Transport, will now take on an especially poignant meaning as their furthermost pioneer has departed", concluded Cllr Moosajee.