The Great North Transport (GNT) has halted its services in Limpopo village, saying its buses, drivers, and commuters were being attacked by rogue elements.
Commuters from Moletji near Polokwane and the surrounding areas will have to look for alternative transport to and from work after the GNT, a state-subsidised bus company, announced the immediate and indefinite suspension of its bus operations in the area.
The GNT bus company cited escalating safety and security concerns as the reason for its decision.
The company’s chief operating officer, Mahlako Mogoashane, said the decision follows repeated, targeted attacks on leased buses by a group of taxi operators.
Passengers placed in harm’s way
This has put the lives of drivers and commuters at risk. This suspension affects all routes within Moletji and surrounding areas.
“Our buses are being stoned, our drivers harassed, and our passengers placed in harm’s way,” said Mogoashane.
“We cannot, in good conscience, continue operations under such dangerous conditions. The safety and wellbeing of our passengers and staff remains our highest priority.”
The company urged passengers to make alternative transport arrangements and assured that regular updates would be provided.
The bus company further assured passengers that operations on other routes remained unaffected.
It expressed disappointment over the disruption, particularly as GNT has been working to restore and expand essential bus services to underserved communities.
Empowering small bus operators
In a recent initiative aligned with its empowerment strategy, GNT began leasing buses from local small operators to empower emerging transport businesses across Limpopo.
“We are engaged in ongoing, urgent discussions with all relevant stakeholders, including the taxi industry and law enforcement, to secure a lasting and peaceful resolution,” Mogoashane states.
“We sincerely apologise to our loyal passengers for this inconvenience and remain committed to resuming operations as soon as conditions allow.”
The company reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to passenger safety and reliable transportation and pledged to work with authorities and industry partners to ensure the protection of its fleet, employees, and customers.
Pressed for comment, the Moletji royal house, through its spokesperson, Dr Moloto, said: “We did not receive any official confirmation from the bus company about their decision, and as protocol demands, we will not comment until then.”
