Driving transformation in Rustenburg: Collaboration for inclusive transport

November 14, 2025

Transformation doesn’t begin in boardrooms – it begins in conversations, collaborations and with the courage to do things differently for the people we serve. So says NELLY MKHABELA…

In every community, transport is more than a movement – it’s the heartbeat of progress. As the South African Bus Operators Association (SABOA), our mission has always been clear: to drive sustainable, inclusive and efficient public transport systems that serve communities with dignity. In Rustenburg Local Municipality in North West Province, that vision is taking shape in remarkable ways through the combined efforts of the MMC responsible for Roads and Transport, Councillor Selebaleng Pule, and the leadership of Executive Mayor Sheila Mabale-Huma. Their collective commitment has propelled significant progress in the city’s Yarona Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project, which is now operational – a milestone that not only improves urban mobility but also creates opportunities for local SMMEs and the broader transport value chain.

Rustenburg’s story is one of transformation – not just in infrastructure, but in how government, operators and communities collaborate to deliver a transport system that meets real human needs. The city’s leadership understands that buses are more than vehicles; they are connectors of opportunity that enable workers, learners and entrepreneurs to move freely and productively across the region.

A partnership built on purpose

Through ongoing engagements between SABOA and the Rustenburg Local Municipality, there’s a renewed focus on strengthening the relationship between the formal bus industry and emerging SMMEs. This collaboration ensures small operators are not left behind as the transport landscape evolves. It’s about creating a platform for mentorship, capacity building and access to opportunities within the formal sector – key drivers of empowerment and local economic growth. We are exploring ways to support initiatives that train and upskill bus drivers, promote women in transport operations and introduce technology-based solutions such as real-time tracking and smart ticketing. These aren’t abstract ideas – they are practical steps that make public transport safer, more efficient and more inclusive.

SABOA envisions a Bus Industry Empowerment Programme, whereby small enterprises – especially those led by women and youth – can provide essential services to operators. This model can open doors to real economic participation that sustains livelihoods and builds local pride.

With the North West Provincial Treasury supporting SMME registration drives and business development, the foundation is already there. What’s needed now is coordination – a shared roadmap that links policy to real opportunities. SABOA believes that the integration of road rehabilitation and public transport operations should be a joint priority. Good roads and efficient buses are two sides of the same coin – one cannot succeed without the other. Through structured dialogue and planning with the Executive Mayor’s office, we are working towards a Bus and Road Operators Forum, a collaborative platform that can align municipal infrastructure upgrades with the operational needs of bus operators.

At the heart of this progress is a deep understanding that transport is not just about movement, but about people. Every bus that operates in Rustenburg tells a story of someone reaching their destination safely, a student arriving at school on time, or a parent returning home to their family after work. These everyday moments reflect the impact of thoughtful leadership and meaningful partnerships.

As we continue strengthening partnerships with municipalities across South Africa, Rustenburg stands out as a shining example of what can be achieved when leadership, collaboration and vision align. The road ahead may still have challenges – from infrastructure maintenance to sustainable funding models – but the spirit of progress is undeniable.

I believe that when government, industry and communities move together in the same direction, real change doesn’t just happen – it accelerates.

Together, SABOA and the Rustenburg Local Municipality are charting a path towards a smarter, more inclusive and connected transport future – one that truly reflects the essence of transformation and shared progress.