Issued by: Ministry of Transport
The situation which has developed over the past few days regarding the bus commuter services operated along the Moloto Road in the former area of KwaNdebele in Mpumalanga was regrettable, the Ministry of Transport said in a media release today. NWS Withdrew its services over this route on Monday, 31 March 1997, following an agreement with Putco (Ltd), the designated bus company operating in the area. NWS was no longer prepared to provide services without subsidy, as the Department of Transport could not pay subsidy because of the fact that the necessary authorisation did not exist.
This resulted in a group of commuters gathering in front of the offices of the Department of Transport yesterday afternoon whilst representatives of the Moutse/Mbibane Transport Forum, management of NWS and officials of the national Department of Transport met to discuss the issues relating to the withdrawal of the services. After protracted discussions, NWS undertook to reinstate on an interim basis, the services which had been withdrawn, until Friday, 4 April 1997. The Department of Transport undertook to expedite the processing of an application by NWS for the subsidation of the Moloto route, in order for the Minister of Transport, Mr Mac Maharaj, to take a decision on the matter. Should the issue of those services not be resolved by 4 April 1997, NWS will withdraw its services in totality from that route.
A meeting may also be arranged soon between Min Maharaj, the Members of the Executive Councils responsible for transport of Mpumalanga and Northwest, the two affected bus companies and representatives on the Moutse/Mbibane Transport Forum to discuss the issue of co-operation between the two bus companies.
The Ministry expressed the hope that the issue will be resolved to the satisfaction of all concerned.
2 April 1997
Didi Moyle Media Liaison Officer Telephone 309-3131 Telefax 328 3194