GNT resumes Dingamanzi routes after permit dispute resolved

LIMPOPO – The Great North Transport (GNT) bus service has officially resumed operations in the Dingamanzi area of Giyani, following a tense standoff with local taxi operators over route permits and competition.

This follows a second community meeting held on Thursday in Dingamanzi village, where GNT presented proof of its operating permits, satisfying community concerns and confirming its legal right to operate in the area.

Taxi associations fail to attend key meeting

The meeting, convened by the Department of Transport and Community Safety, aimed to resolve the ongoing tension between GNT and taxi operators, who had earlier demanded that the bus company provide evidence of its legal authority to use the route.

Although all stakeholders, particularly bus and taxi operators, were expected to attend, the taxi associations that initially raised the allegations failed to show up.

Their absence fuelled speculation that some of their vehicles might not have valid operating permits.

The background

The dispute between taxi and bus operators began when GNT attempted to reinstate its services on routes around Dingamanzi, Dzumeri, and nearby villages after being absent for nearly five years.

The service was discontinued around 2020 or 2021 following an accident involving one of the buses, which was never replaced. During GNT’s absence, taxi operators filled the transport gap and dominated passenger movement in the area.

However, when GNT recently resumed its routes, the Khomanani Taxi Association resisted, claiming the buses were operating without valid permits and accusing the company of threatening their livelihoods. They argued that they could not afford to lose income since many taxi owners were still paying off vehicle instalments.

In response, residents from Dingamanzi and surrounding villages staged protests, blocking roads and demanding that no taxis operate if the GNT buses were not allowed.

Many community members said they preferred the bus service because it is more affordable and reliable, especially for school children and workers commuting daily to Giyani town.

Department confirms GNT’s permits

“We are happy that the community now knows the truth and that the taxi operators’ claims were false.”

During Thursday’s meeting, GNT CEO Ntsewa Mokobane presented the company’s operating permit to the community, government officials, and other stakeholders, as previously agreed with the taxi operators and local representatives.

“I’m here today to show you our bus permit, which we received from the Department of Transport. It outlines all the routes authorised for this bus and allows us to transport community members in and around Giyani and the greater Mopani District,” said Mokobane.

“Our buses are safe and reliable, and we are committed to serving the transport needs of this community. Anyone who doubts the legitimacy of our permit can verify it with the Department of Transport,” he added.

His statement was supported by Mopani District Transport Regulations deputy director Samuel Machete, who confirmed the authenticity of GNT’s permit.

“By law, only two authorities, traffic officers and the police, are allowed to stop vehicles and request to see permits,” he continued, referring to incidents where taxi operators stop buses and ask to see their permits. “Anyone else who does so is acting illegally and should be reported to the police,” he said, drawing applause from the audience.

Closing the meeting, community representative Eunice Maluleke expressed satisfaction that the truth had finally been revealed.

“We are happy that the community now knows the truth and that the taxi operators’ claims were false,” Maluleke said.