Commuter fare hike lays bare cracks in gov’t machinery
Spira Tlhankane | Monday April 6, 2026 06:00
In a stunning sequence of events, the abrupt gazetting of steep commuter fare hikes without ministerial approval has not only triggered public outrage but also revealed a breakdown in coordination at the highest levels of government.
President Duma Boko has now moved to contain the fallout, confirming that the Director of Transport Services, Bokhutlo Modukanele, will be suspended pending investigation, effectively taking the fall for a decision that blindsided both the minister and senior officials.
The controversy erupted late on March 31, when Government Notice No. 307 of 2026 announced a sharp revision of public transport fares under the Road Transport (Permits) Act. The move hit commuters like a bolt from the blue, sparking immediate backlash and protests, particularly among tertiary students already grappling with rising living costs.
But in a dramatic U-turn less than 24 hours later, the government backtracked. Transport Minister Noah Salakae addressed Parliament on Wednesday, April 1, stating that fares would revert to the previously agreed December 2025 adjustments, following intense public pressure.
In a live broadcast public address yesterday, President Boko did not mince words, describing the publication of unapproved fares as “reckless” and a clear breach of procedure. He was quick to admit that even the minister and Permanent Secretary were caught off guard.
“This was an error which was not supposed to happen. For the Government Gazette to publish the fares that were not agreed upon by the negotiating teams was shocking. The changes were new to the eyes of the minister and the permanent secretary, just as they were for the rest of the government. The fares were already out there, and I would not be truthful if I didn’t state that this was reckless and it was an error which was not supposed to happen at the time,” he said, underscoring the gravity of the misstep.
Boko admitted that these changes caused confusion and stirred people’s emotions. He said this was not done in accordance with the procedure. “Good governance depends on good relationships between political and administrative leaders. Governance is based on trust, accountability and respect for established procedures. Knowledge sharing should be available from employees to departmental leaders to share advice and tips before decisions are made, which is what happened in the executive,” Boko clarified to the public in his Thursday evening address.
Boko revealed that the Director of Transport Services would be suspended pending an investigation into the exercise of his powers. He said the director exercised his powers without the authority of the PS and the minister.
“This negligence must not just go away; it must take steps that will show that it is unacceptable, that will show that the procedure must be followed, and that will send a message to the government as a whole that such mistakes, which lead to emotional harm, do not happen,” he said.
The President indicated that appropriate investigation and action would be taken. “This decision is administrative and has shown us that government is committed to being fair, responsible and following a good process so that anyone working will act under administration and coordination and cooperation, and decisions will be taken in accordance with the law,” he said. Boko said they will now be able to analyse in detail whether the implementation of government decisions is at the right level to provide and strengthen the balance between political leadership and the public service.
Ironically, the fare adjustments themselves were not new. The Cabinet had already deliberated on them in December, opting to delay implementation to avoid burdening citizens during the festive season. What was eventually agreed upon, Boko clarified, was the version announced earlier this week, not the controversial figures that sparked nationwide outrage.
At the heart of the debacle lies a deeper issue of breakdown in trust and communication between the political leadership and the public service. The President’s decision to suspend the Director signals an attempt to restore order and send a strong message across the government ranks. Boko framed the move as both corrective and symbolic, a warning against unilateral actions that carry real-world consequences for citizens.
Yet beyond the immediate disciplinary action, the episode raises uncomfortable questions about systemic weaknesses within the administration. How could such a major policy shift bypass key decision-makers? And what does this say about internal controls meant to safeguard public interest? These could be questions that need urgent attention. In the end, what unfolded was more than just a policy blunder, but it was an own goal that has dented public confidence and exposed cracks in the very machinery meant to serve and protect citizens.