Not just a bus ride, but a movement in motion

As South Africa’s transport sector evolves, SABOA’s leadership is embracing a renewed focus on empowerment, safety, and innovation. NELISIWE MKHABELA, the association’s newly appointed manager, shares a compelling vision for a more inclusive future.

There’s something deeply symbolic about a bus. It’s more than just transport. It’s a small version of our world – where different people meet, where stories unfold, and where dreams move forward. Buses don’t just carry passengers; they carry purpose, possibilities, responsibility, hustle, hope, and the future. Sometimes, they even carry the next leader of a national transport association.

When I was appointed as the new manager of SABOA, I didn’t feel the typical butterflies. I felt alignment. It was as if the journey I’ve been on – from a young woman from Tsakane in Ekurhuleni, studying towards a master’s degree in Transport Economics at the University of Johannesburg, to navigating the halls of public sector giants – had been quietly preparing me for this stop all along.

But here’s the thing: this isn’t a stop. This is the ignition of something new.

Driving the change

My vision is rooted in transformation – not just transformation in policy or practice, but transformation in presence. It’s about inviting more voices to the table, strengthening our connection with communities, and ensuring that the bus industry is no longer seen as a background player, but as a driver of inclusive economic development.

We are not just here to facilitate mobility; we are here to champion dignity, to accelerate change, to amplify sustainability, innovation, and empowerment in ways that are felt in every township, city, and rural village. We are also here to open doors – especially for small and emerging operators.

SMMEs are the lifeblood of our economy and, in the bus industry, they carry the potential to shift not only gears, but entire livelihoods. At SABOA, part of our mission is to empower these businesses with access to opportunities, resources, and a voice at the table.

From inclusive procurement to mentorship and partnerships, we are committed to creating a platform where SMMEs can grow, thrive, and take the wheel with confidence.

Empowering women through partnerships and access

We believe that empowering women in transport is not a siloed mission; it’s a shared responsibility across sectors. That’s why SABOA is strengthening its collaborations with stakeholders across the transport and mobility ecosystem – from logistics companies to government departments, educational institutions to private operators. We are working towards collective impact.

Together, we can drive initiatives that support women with:

• Skills development – training women not just to drive buses, but to lead businesses, manage fleets, and make boardroom decisions.
• Access to information – demystifying the industry and opening up opportunities through digital platforms, networking forums, and awareness drives.
• Supportive ecosystems – creating spaces where women can thrive, be mentored, and be represented in decisions that shape the future of transport.

These efforts go beyond slogans. They are about shifting mindsets and creating real, tangible change – one empowered woman at a time.

She moves the nation

Every year, the second Sunday of May reminds us to pause, reflect, and celebrate the women who raised us, guided us, and continue to inspire us – our mothers. This Mother’s Day, we turn to the often-unsung heroines of the bus industry: the mothers who keep this nation moving. They are the real engine behind many of the buses we see on the road today.

At SABOA, we believe that transformation is not just about policies, but about people. Today, we choose to honour the women who, through their daily acts of service, patience, and persistence, are transforming the very heart of the transport industry.

To all the mothers in our sector – whether you are behind the steering wheel, in the control room, at the workshop, or in the boardroom – this message is for you: you are seen. You are appreciated. You are powerful.

Empowerment begins with acknowledgment and today, we want to say thank you. Thank you for your resilience. Thank you for your love. Thank you for showing up even on the hardest days. Thank you for reminding us that strength is soft and fierce all at once.

As we move towards a more inclusive, caring, and transformed transport sector, let us never forget the role mothers play, not only in the lives of their families but in the progress of our nation. Your influence runs deeper than the routes on any map.

So, this May, we raise our hands, our voices, and our hearts to salute you.
Happy Mother’s Day to all the phenomenal women of the bus industry. You truly move the nation.

Driving a culture of safety

Safety is at the heart of everything we do. For the bus industry to grow and thrive, road safety must become a daily habit – not just a once-off campaign. We believe that every driver, passenger, and pedestrian deserves to reach their destination safely.

SABOA is working closely with the National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NATJOINTS) to build a culture of safety that’s proactive, responsive, and consistent. This partnership helps us to align with national safety priorities, share information, and strengthen our presence on the ground.

From safety awareness campaigns to engaging with the RTMC and national and local municipalities, we are taking a united approach. Because when it comes to saving lives, we are all in this together.

Let’s make safety not just a requirement, but a lifestyle. We owe it to the passengers we serve, the families that wait at home, and the future generations who will inherit the roads we build today.

The road ahead (and yes, it’s scenic)

In the coming months, expect SABOA to step into the spotlight in ways that feel bold, collaborative, and proudly South African. From revitalising our membership processes to attracting next-generation sponsors and industry disruptors, we are intentionally designing a new rhythm.

We’ll be building bridges between tech and tradition, bringing the old and the new into one vehicle – because progress doesn’t mean forgetting our roots. It means watering them, so they grow stronger.

So, buckle up!

If you’re reading this, you’re already part of the journey. Whether you’re a long-time operator, emerging operator, passionate transport specialist, policymaker, or simply someone who knows the smell of diesel and early-morning ambition… this is your movement too.

Together, let’s turn every route into a runway for transformation.