Gauteng’s traffic light crisis: Robot Wars
The ongoing traffic light crisis in Gauteng is no longer just about longer commutes and road frustration—it’s now an economic and social disaster. With over 400 traffic lights out of order, motorists face dangerous intersections, chaotic congestion, and hours lost in gridlock, while the government continues to make empty promises with no clear solutions in sight.
Frustration grows as promises go unfulfilled
For months, Gauteng motorists have been forced to navigate dysfunctional roads, often relying on vagrants illegally directing traffic while officials fail to deliver real solutions. Commuters speaking to HOT 102.7FM expressed their growing frustration:
💬 “My 40-minute trip now takes an hour and a half—on the exact same route at the exact same time. It’s a disaster!”
💬 “It’s shameful, it’s pitiful. This has been going on for too long.”
According to OUTA CEO Wayne Duvenage, the government is failing to meet even the most basic service delivery standards. “They’re not fixing the poles that get knocked over. That alone would take care of over 100 intersections. Repairs that used to take 24 to 48 hours now take a week—if they happen at all.”
A Syndicate at Play?
Government officials blame criminal syndicates for the worsening crisis. Lecibe Mpia, spokesperson for the Provincial Department of Roads and Transport, told HOT 102.7FM that theft and vandalism are major obstacles.
“We now believe this is the work of a syndicate,” Mpia explained. “We repair a traffic signal, and by the next morning, it’s broken or flashing again.” Despite acknowledging the severity of the crisis, Mpia refused to commit to a timeline for repairs, leaving residents in a state of uncertainty.
Jobs and investment at risk
What was once seen as just a traffic issue is now threatening Gauteng’s economy. According to DA Shadow MEC for Roads and Logistics Everett Duplessis, the crisis is harming mental and physical health, and in some cases, costing people their jobs. “People who used to commute for 20 to 30 minutes are now sitting in traffic for 2 to 3 hours, some workers are being fired for arriving late. Bosses don’t want to hear ‘traffic’ as an excuse.”
Even more concerning, businesses are losing faith in Gauteng’s infrastructure and moving operations elsewhere. “Companies are relocating their headquarters offshore. Shopping malls are emptying. Warehouses are being abandoned. If we don’t turn this around, property values will plummet, and Gauteng will be left with stranded assets.”
Still No Action from Government
The Gauteng Traffic Department maintains that it is working to restore traffic lights, but refuses to commit to any deadlines. With no clear plan and no urgency from officials, residents are left to battle gridlock, job losses, and a crumbling infrastructure.
Listen to the podcast and stay tuned to HOT 1027 as we unpack this crisis further:
