The Mpumalanga Department of Public Works, Roads and Transport (DPWRT) has intervened in an ongoing operational dispute between two bus companies that has affected hundreds of commuters.

On Tuesday, May 5, the Hazyview-based bus company Myboet stopped ferrying commuters in all the areas in which it operates.

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According to Myboet operations manager Sifiso Shabangu, the stoppage resulted from disagreements between the company and Great North Transport (GNT).

GNT, a Limpopo-based transport company, holds the main licence to operate in the areas where Myboet operates. Since 2019, Myboet has been subcontracted by GNT to transport commuters in and around Bushbuckridge villages and settlements.

However, Shabangu claims Myboet has experienced several challenges over the years that GNT failed to resolve, allowing them to escalate.

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“The challenges we have experienced over the years have been affecting our operations. Unfortunately, when we engaged GNT, we could not find a solution. This resulted in a situation where we were forced to halt services, with the hope that GNT would come to the table,” said Shabangu.

He acknowledged that commuters have been the most affected and apologised for the disruption. “This could have been avoided if GNT had agreed to resolve the challenges we are facing, which currently make it impossible to continue operations,” he said.

“Those who have already purchased tickets must bear with us, as their tickets will remain valid until used. We will honour these tickets once operations resume,” he added.

Myboet buses transport commuters from several settlements, including Agincourt, Mkhuhlu, Goromane, Hazyview, Mganduzweni, KaMajika, Shabalala, Marite, Madras, Oakley, Cork, Belfast, Huntington, Thulamahashe, New Forest, Buyisonto, Dwarsloop, Bushbuckridge, Justicia and Rolle, among others.

The buses also transport workers to and from Hazyview, Mbombela and White River every morning and afternoon.

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Lowvelder observed Myboet buses parked next to the company’s depot in Mpatseni Settlement near Hazyview on Thursday, May 7.

DPWRT spokesperson Bongani Dlamini said the department held a meeting with representatives from Myboet and GNT on Thursday.

“The department is aware of the situation, which is causing hardship for commuters. Following our intervention, we hope the two companies will reach a resolution soon, based on the agreement reached during the meeting,” said Dlamini.

He added that MEC Thulasizwe Thomo would meet with his Limpopo counterpart to prevent similar challenges in future.

Attempts to obtain comment from GNT were unsuccessful at the time of publication.