Zimpapers Logo

Director of BUPTA Public Limited Morgan Msipa (second from right) addresses transport operators during a meeting in Bulawayo yesterday

Nduduzo Tshuma Senior Political Reporter
TRANSPORT operators in Bulawayo have formed two companies that will see members operating on either side of Khami Road in line with the Bulawayo City Council (BCC) public transport policy.
At a meeting of transport operators in the city yesterday aimed at giving members an update on the development, it was revealed that the two companies are Tshova Mbaiwa Public Limited and Bulawayo Public Transporters Association (BUPTA) Public Limited.

Whereas Tshova Mbaiwa already has structures to fit a company, BUPTA called on its members to bring documentation that would be submitted to a local accounting firm as part of legalising the association of the members.

By Friday, BUPTA members are expected to have provided folders containing copies of their national identity documents, operator’s licence, and proof of residence and vehicle registration books as part of that process.

One of BUPTA Public Limited directors, Morgan Msipa, said Tshova Mbaiwa would operate to the South of Khami Road while BUPTA Public Limited would operate to the north of the road.

He said Tshova Mbaiwa would retain its colours while BUPTA Public Limited would soon agree on colours for their company.

Msipa said the organisation would start off with equal shareholding regardless of how many kombis one had.

Msipa said every transport operator would hold a share ownership certificate to show that they are a member.

Msipa said after they finish the modalities of registering members in the company, they would sign an agreement that would make it hard for one to leave the industry.

An official from the BCC engineering department, Elliot Panesu, said they would soon hold a workshop on the matter involving operators, BCC and relevant government departments.

Panesu said some operators complained that they would be cheated of their money but he assured them that systems would be put in place to avoid that eventuality.

Tshova Mbaiwa chairman Samson Mabunda welcomed the development, urging transport operators to join either company to ensure the smooth running of the sector.

Officer in charge at Drill Hall traffic section Chief Inspector Patrick Mahwendepi hailed the initiative saying it would reduce criminal conduct on the part of some unruly drivers.

“Some drivers with criminal minds pick up women and girls at night going to Cowdray Park yet they are registered to ply the Nkulumane route. They then sexually abuse those women and finding them becomes difficult,” he said.

Chief Insp Mahwendepi warned operators against employing under age drivers and urged them to desist from using undesignated pick up points like the notorious 6th Avenue.