Limpopo government restarts transport project with new contractor

Dr. Phophi Ramathuba, the Premier of Limpopo, recently announced an important step forward for the long-delayed Thohoyandou Intermodal Transport Facility Project. This project, commonly known as the Thohoyandou Taxi Rank, started way back in 2011 and was meant to be finished in 2015, but faced many problems and delays, causing much frustration. Now, a new contractor has been appointed, and the aim is to complete the facility within eight months, modernising public transport and bringing much-needed hope and economic growth to the communities of Thulamela and Vhembe.

Key project details

• Place: Thohoyandou, within the Thulamela Municipality, Vhembe District, Limpopo Province.
• Date of Announcement: 07 October 2025.
• People Involved:
  • Dr. Phophi Ramathuba: Premier of Limpopo Province.
  • Ms Violet Mathye: MEC for Transport and Community Safety.
  • Mr Ernest Rachoene: MEC for Public Works, Roads and Infrastructure.
  • Cllr Freda Nkondo: Executive Mayor of Vhembe District.
  • Cllr Sarah Rammbuda: Mayor of Thulamela Municipality.
  • Other attendees included Councillors, Traditional and Faith-Based Leaders, Representatives of the Taxi Industry, Distinguished Guests, and Members of the Media.
• Organisations Involved:
  • The Independent Development Trust (IDT) was appointed in 2024 as the new implementing agent for the project.
  • A new, unnamed contractor has been appointed to complete the remaining construction work.

The story of the Thohoyandou Intermodal Facility

Today marks a truly significant moment for Thohoyandou. For many years, the dream of a modern transport hub here has been on hold, causing a lot of disappointment. But we are here now, ready to finish what was started and bring new hope to everyone in Thulamela and Vhembe.

This project, known as the Thohoyandou Taxi Rank, began in 2011 with the promise of giving us a modern public transport system and a key centre for the thousands of people who travel daily. It was supposed to be ready by 2015, but, like a few other projects in the past, it hit many problems and just stopped.

The situation with this facility reminds us of the Maphutha Malatjie Hospital, another important provincial project that faced endless issues. However, with strong leadership and determination, that hospital was completed and is now serving our communities. Our current government, the 7th administration, is equally committed to making sure this transport facility is also finished and fully operational for our people.

For a long 14 years, this facility has just stood there, a sad reminder of delays and frustration. As a government, we admit that we could have done better, and we sincerely apologise to the people of Thulamela for all the trouble and missed chances caused by this long wait. We also know that some of the issues were due to problems with past contractors and agents, with some of these matters still being sorted out in the courts.

As your Premier, I have made it my personal mission to step in directly when big infrastructure projects get stuck. We can’t really talk about growing our economy and creating jobs if our basic infrastructure isn’t finished. Our province struggles with high unemployment and slow economic growth, and every delayed project means we miss opportunities to help our people, boost local businesses, and improve our communities.

The project’s history is a bit sad. After it started in 2011 and was meant to be done by 2015, we found big structural faults. Remedial work began in 2017 and finished in 2018, but the place still wasn’t safe or complete. Legal disputes kept the project stuck until 2024, when we brought in the Independent Development Trust (IDT) as the new managing agent.

After careful planning, we’ve now appointed a new contractor to finish the rest of the work. That’s why we are here today with the MECs for Transport and Community Safety, Ms Violet Mathye, and Public Works, Roads and Infrastructure, Mr Ernest Rachoene, to officially hand over the project. We have given the new contractor a very clear instruction: finish this project within eight months!

This final stage of building will cost R46,916,285.12. As a government, we expect nothing less than top-notch work, efficiency, and clear accountability. When we come back here, it won’t be to hear updates or excuses; it will be to cut the ribbon and open this facility for the people of Thulamela.

To the new contractor, we are putting our trust in you. Please deliver on your promises, stick to the timeline, ensure high quality, and remember the people whose lives depend on this facility. For more information on the province’s developmental projects, you can visit the official Limpopo Provincial Government website.

Benefits for the community

Once completed, the Thohoyandou Intermodal Transport Facility will bring significant advantages:

• Modernised Transport: It will provide a safe, efficient, and modern hub for thousands of daily commuters.
• Economic Boost: Finishing this project will create job opportunities during and after construction, stimulating local businesses and the economy.
• Community Upliftment: It shows that the government is delivering on its promises, restoring hope and pride in the community.
• Improved Services: A central transport facility will make travel easier and more organised for everyone.

How the community can participate or take part

To our wonderful community, we ask for your patience and support as work restarts. Let us all work together to make sure that this time, the story of the Thohoyandou Intermodal Facility is one of completion, excellent service, and immense pride. Your understanding and cooperation are vital to ensure the smooth progress of this important project. You can also stay informed about other important announcements and Premier’s Office news by visiting our news portal.

Let’s finish what we started because our people truly deserve a government that delivers.

Public questions and answers

1. What is the Thohoyandou Intermodal Transport Facility Project?
   It’s a project to build a modern public transport hub in Thohoyandou, commonly known as the Thohoyandou Taxi Rank, to serve thousands of commuters daily.
2. Where is this facility located?
   It is located in Thohoyandou, within the Thulamela Municipality, Vhembe District, Limpopo Province.
3. When did the project start, and when was it supposed to be finished?
   The project began in 2011 and was originally scheduled for completion in 2015.
4. Why was the project delayed for so long?
   It faced numerous setbacks, including major structural defects, issues with previous contractors and implementing agents, and legal disputes that lasted until 2024.
5. Who is now responsible for completing the project?
   The Independent Development Trust (IDT) was appointed as the new implementing agent in 2024, and they have now appointed a new contractor to finish the remaining work.
6. What is the new timeline for the project’s completion?
   The new contractor has been given a clear directive to finish the project within eight months from the handover date (07 October 2025).
7. How much will this final phase of construction cost?
   The final phase of construction is estimated to cost R46,916,285.12.
8. What are the main benefits this facility will bring to the community?
   It will modernise public transport, create a central transport hub, stimulate local businesses, create job opportunities, and boost economic growth, ultimately uplifting the community.
9. How can community members support the project?
   The community is asked for their support and patience as construction resumes. Their cooperation is important to ensure a smooth completion.
10. Has the government apologised for the long delay?
    Yes, Premier Dr. Phophi Ramathuba sincerely apologised to the people of Thulamela for the inconvenience and lost opportunities caused by the 14-year delay.
11. What is the Premier’s personal commitment to projects like this?
    Premier Ramathuba has made it her personal mission to intervene directly in stalled infrastructure projects, believing that economic growth and job creation depend on completing such vital developments.
12. Will there be any job opportunities created by this project?
    Yes, the completion of the project is expected to empower people, stimulate local businesses, and create job opportunities both during and after its construction.
13. What does “Intermodal Transport Facility” mean?
    It refers to a facility that allows commuters to easily switch between different types of transport, such as taxis, buses, and potentially other modes, at one central location.