It is a truism that a good idea can easily founder when badly executed or if hurried through without enrichment from the broader input of other stakeholders.

It is a truism that a good idea can easily founder when badly executed or if hurried through without enrichment from the broader input of other stakeholders.

This is perhaps the lesson to be learnt from the controversial saga of the Soweto-Johannesburg monorail, which has been put on hold following a complaint by Transport Minister Jeff Radebe that he had not been consulted about the project.

For good measure, Gauteng finance and economic affairs MEC Paul Mashatile and public transport, roads and works MEC Ignatius Jacobs have since apologised for launching the project without informing the minister.

The minister told them the monorail proposal would not be supported in its existing form, but that government was not opposed to the project in principle.

That the MECs have graciously acknowledged their mistakes and promised to make amends by consulting widely is a mark of maturity on their part.

Lingering questions about the project need candid answers though. These relate to the identity of the empowerment partners in the R12billion project and the structure of the deal entered into with the Malaysian company behind the initiative.

It is imperative these questions are answered candidly to allay the public fears of cronyism that persistently dog public-private partnerships.