WATCH: No commuters at stops, bus operations cancelled – Tshwane
According to Road and Transport MMC Katlego Mathebe Tshwane buses were recalled this morning as there were no commuters at stops, while Tshwane staffers were intimidated on Monday, ahead of expected resumption.
Tshwane bus services (TBS) operations have experienced turbulence since the unlawful strike action started eight week ago.
Because of intimidation and violence, the 160 TBS fleet was grounded.
Two A Re Yeng buses were attacked during the early strike action.
But the service was expected to resume on Tuesday morning following an announcement at the weekend that both Tshwane metro owned TBS and A Re Yeng was making a return.
Road and transport MMC Katlego Mathebe addressing media from a metro bus stop via video however said buses were recalled as there was no commuter at stops.
She said staffers had been intimidated the previous day on Monday.
Social media users however have labelled Tshwane as liars claiming to have waited for buses in vain this morning.
The buses never showed up stop lying
— Valeria (@IamValeria1010) September 12, 2023
Pta north, no buses are moving.
— Tebza (@tsapadi154) September 12, 2023
Not even one Tshwane bus came this morning in Mountain view ..we still have our dustbins packed and smelling outside our houses. Yet we are paying for services every month. Your pathetic.
— Ma presh (@nandevine) September 12, 2023
There is no progress if statements were sent out for buses to operate today and you had hundreds of people waiting at bus pick up stations this morning and still no bus showed up
— reload (@Reloadedd94) September 12, 2023
[STATEMENT] City gradually making progress to ensure Tshwane Bus Service and A Re Yeng are back on the road. @CityTshwane pic.twitter.com/dkzBGROiNY
— Mayor Cilliers Brink (@tshwane_mayor) September 12, 2023
According to Tshwane metro spokesperson Selby Bokaba, on Tuesday morning, 12 drivers pitched up for duty.
Only two buses went out for the 04:30 shift, but there was no commuter to pick up so buses returned to the depot.
Bokaba said four drivers called in “sick”, while seven employees were served with letters of intension to dismiss for “supporting the strike action” the Labour Court declared unlawful and unprotected.
“The seven employees – dubbed the strike instigators – are accused of preventing the buses from being prepared for operations.”
Bokaba said five were Samwu shop stewards.
“They allegedly intimidated their non-striking colleagues at the C De Wet depot in the Pretoria CBD.
“The seven instigators have been given 24 hours to make representations as to why they shouldn’t be permanently dismissed.”
Bokaba said the A Re Yeng operations were however running smoothly without challenges.
“Tshwane roads and transport will re-issue the instruction to TBS employees to service the afternoon operations, failing which, disciplinary action will be instituted, which will include the issuing of letters of intension to dismiss.”
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