Sithembinkosi L Jiyane
Business Reporter
BULAWAYO – Residents of Cowdray Park are enduring severe transportation chaos, crippling daily commutes and sparking urgent demands for systemic reform. Unreliable kombi services, inconsistent fares, safety hazards, and alleged corruption have left the community struggling to access work, essential services, and even mourning rites safely.
The crisis, highlighted at a recent development meeting, forces residents into long walks or reliance on expensive, irregular private transport. Inadequate street lighting and security compound the risks, exposing people to accidents and crime.
Ward 15 resident representative Ngwenya voiced widespread frustration:
“There is no order. Kombis pick up at Mpompini in the morning but refuse to go back there in the evening, dropping people at the clinic or caravan, forcing long, dangerous walks home.” He condemned the inconsistent fares:
“Mornings cost $1 per person, instead of the usual $1.50 for two. We are being taken advantage of.”
Ngwenya also called for the closure of the problematic “border post” at Ma4, where passengers are swapped between kombis:
“This leads to lost valuables and stranded passengers forced to pay again. It’s unacceptable.”
Safety is a paramount concern. Residents report kombi drivers operating under the influence of alcohol. Mr. Dube, another resident representative, lamented the loss of accountability:
“Before, Tshova Mbayiwa drivers wore uniforms and had fleet numbers. Now, kombis hide their plates. We need branding, uniforms, and mandatory training on language, ethics, and safety. Drivers must be banned from smoking and drinking on duty.”
Ward 6 representative Masuku highlighted the debilitating fare confusion:
“Why no uniform pricing? Recently, I was told $1 with R5 change, yet two people pay $1.50 Rand? Drivers even refuse to handle money, demanding exact change.” He proposed:
“We demand a fixed fare: $1.50 Rand for two people or R10 per person, not R15.” Masuku recounted refusing to pay after a conductor feigned lack of change despite holding cash.
T. Dube, representing the Bulawayo United Public Transport Association (BUPTA), acknowledged the problems but pointed to deeper issues:
“A service-level agreement designated BUPTA and VUTA for Cowdray Park. Why is it failing here? Corruption and politics are the root causes.”
He accused the City Council and police of failing to enforce regulations, particularly at the unauthorized 6th Avenue rank:
“eGodini is the official rank, but kombis sit idle while 6th Avenue thrives due to resident preference and corruption. ‘Untouchables’ use politics to maintain it. When we seek enforcement, leaks tip them off.”
Dube also blamed extortion by individuals known as “omavala” near the railway, targeting licensed kombis:
“They put passengers’ lives at risk. This community issue requires a community stand. Together, we can demand no unbranded kombis.”
Captain Nkomo, representing all transport companies, urged residents to use eGodini:
“Kombis are there, but people board at 6th Avenue expecting service to eSigodweni.” He criticized ineffective omavala:
“If they are drunk and rude, cooperation is impossible.”
Nkomo revealed failed attempts to control fares via stamped R10 tickets at eGodini, undermined by 6th Avenue operations:
“We are perplexed. Residents claim they can’t afford transport, yet pay $1 at 6th Avenue. Ultimately, residents are undermining the system.”
The transportation breakdown causes tangible harm. Unreliable kombis make residents late or absent from work, costing vital income. Safety fears persist due to drunk driving and …
ZIM GBC News 2025