Wheels of progress: Celebrating Buscor’s journey of excellence

Buscor’s four-decade journey is a story of community, innovation and progress. NELLY MKHABELA celebrates the operator’s lasting impact on Mpumalanga and its continued commitment to safer, greener transport.

As we close off 2025, the South African Bus Operators Association (SABOA) proudly recognises one of its long-standing members: Buscor, the heartbeat of public transport in Mpumalanga. For more than four decades, Buscor has not only connected communities, but has consistently raised the bar for safety, comfort and innovation in the bus industry.

From the busy streets of Mbombela to the scenic routes leading to eMalahleni, Buscor’s buses have become more than just a mode of transport. They are a symbol of reliability, progress and service excellence. Every day, thousands of commuters, from workers and learners to worshippers, rely on Buscor to get them safely where they need to go.

A legacy of service and transformation

Buscor’s story is one of deep community roots and forward-thinking leadership. Its commitment to transformation and empowerment is evident in its workforce development initiatives, continuous driver training and the promotion of inclusivity across all areas of operation.

Many employees have risen through its ranks, reflecting a culture of mentorship and opportunity that defines genuine empowerment. As one of Mpumalanga’s largest transport employers, Buscor provides stable jobs, builds careers and offers essential mobility to communities that rely on safe, reliable and affordable public transport. This enduring commitment positions Buscor as an important development partner in the province’s social and economic growth.

Leading the green revolution

In 2025, Buscor made history by introducing electric buses into its fleet – a first for public transport in the region, marking a new chapter in sustainable mobility and setting an example for other operators across South Africa. The electric bus pilot is not only about new technology; it’s about embracing a cleaner, quieter and more efficient way of moving people. It reflects Buscor’s vision for a future in which transport innovation and environmental stewardship go hand in hand.

Alongside this initiative, Buscor has been upgrading its fleet with air-conditioned buses, ensuring a more comfortable travel experience – especially at the hottest times of the year. These modern vehicles bring together design, safety and commuter comfort, ensuring every journey feels like a step into the future.

Technology meets transport

Buscor has also partnered with a leading technology company to enhance operational efficiency, fleet management and service reliability. This digital transformation enables smarter route planning, improved scheduling and real-time insights – all designed to give commuters a smoother, more dependable experience.

This partnership demonstrates how traditional transport operations can embrace innovation while maintaining their human touch. It’s ultimately about moving people – efficiently, safely and with care.

Driving safety, every day

Safety remains the cornerstone of Buscor’s operations. The company works closely with law enforcement agencies and stakeholders such as the National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NATJOINTS) to ensure commuter and driver safety during busy travel periods.

But for Buscor, safety is not a campaign – it’s a culture. From regular vehicle inspections to advanced driver training, safety is woven into every kilometre travelled. As we approach the festive season, Buscor’s message to all South Africans is simple: “arrive alive, every day.”

A celebration of partnership and progress

Every bus journey begins with purpose: to connect people, communities and opportunities. Buscor’s excellence reminds us that transport is not only about movement, but about transformation.

SABOA commends Buscor for its dedication, innovation and leadership. As we look back on 2025, we celebrate not only the milestones, but the spirit behind them: the people who make every journey possible, from mechanics to drivers, dispatchers to cleaners, and the dedicated teams behind the scenes.

Their collective effort ensures that Buscor remains a pillar of excellence, resilience and transformation in South Africa’s public transport landscape. As the year draws to a close, we honour Buscor’s continued pursuit of progress and its unwavering commitment to moving Mpumalanga – and South Africa – forward.