Author:nelisiwe-mkhabela

From rising costs to collective solutions: SABOA’s strategic approach April 6, 2026 South Africa’s transport sector is facing a pivotal moment as fuel prices surge to unprecedented levels, driven by global geopolitical tensions. As NELLY MKHABELA writes, the impact is immediate: operators are facing rising costs, while passengers and businesses pay more and the broader economy feels the strain. In response, the Southern African Bus Operators Association (SABOA) is taking a proactive, solution-focused approach, working to ensure the industry remains […]

From fragmentation to integration: Reimagining SA transport safety March 6, 2026 Transport safety in South Africa has traditionally been measured through one dominant lens: accidents and fatalities. NELLY MKHABELA reports that, while these indicators remain critical, they represent only the visible tip of a far more complex safety ecosystem. Behind every corridor statistic lies an operational network of drivers, engineers, fleet controllers, workshop technicians, cleaning teams, security personnel and administrative staff. Safety, therefore, cannot be confined to crash prevention alone. […]

Road safety: bus industry’s strategic imperative in 2026 February 3, 2026 Road safety transcends mere compliance. NELLY MKHABELA says that, in 2026, it stands as a paramount strategic issue for the bus industry, not only within South Africa but globally. Millions entrust their lives to bus transport every day expecting safe arrival, making road safety a fundamental leadership responsibility. The industry carries not just passengers, but the economy, the workforce and the future of communities. When safety falters, the implications […]

Repositioning the Bus Industry for SA’s Next Growth Phase January 15, 2026 South Africa stands at a critical point in its economic and social development. As the country works to stabilise growth, expand employment and modernise infrastructure, NELLY MKHABELA writes that public transport – beginning with short-distance urban and rural bus services – remains the backbone of national mobility. Every morning and every evening, the public transport network carries the workforce, learners and communities that keep the economy functioning. Bus […]

Wheels of progress: Celebrating Buscor’s journey of excellence November 20, 2025 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 […]

Driving transformation in Rustenburg: Collaboration for inclusive transport November 10, 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 […]

GABS goes green October 2, 2025 As South Africa marks Transport Month, NELLY MKHABELA highlights the strides that one Southern African Bus Operators Association (SABOA) member is making to transform public transport into a cleaner, more resilient, and inclusive sector. Bus operators across the country are embracing innovation – investing in technologies that reduce emissions, improve passenger experiences, and create sustainable jobs. SABOA strongly believes that a transition to low-carbon mobility and greater energy efficiency is within reach. We are […]

Heritage on the move: Celebrating Putco’s 80-year legacy September 4, 2025 As South Africa marks Heritage Month this September, Nelly Mkhabela pays tribute to Putco, an iconic company within the field of South African public transport. Heritage Month is a special time in South Africa. It’s when we pause to honour our past, celebrate our present, and look ahead to a future that is inclusive, united, and strong. This year, Heritage Month carries even more meaning for the bus industry, […]

From passenger to powerhouse: How women are transforming transport August 11, 2025 In South Africa’s transport industry, women are moving from passengers to powerhouses – leading, innovating, and transforming the sector. This Women’s Month, NELLY MKHABELA honours those breaking barriers and paving the way for a more inclusive, sustainable future. August in South Africa is not just a time to commemorate women – it is a powerful reminder that women are rewriting history every single day. In the traditionally male-dominated […]

It’s time for safe, reliable, and empowering public transport for all! July 2, 2025 Every morning, across towns, townships, rural areas, and cities, millions of South Africans step out with purpose – heading to work, school, or social activities. They board buses, taxis, and trains with a single expectation: to reach their destinations safely. But increasingly, writes NELISIWE MKHABELA, this simple hope is being threatened by violence, intimidation, crime, and insecurity. As the Southern African Bus Operators Association (SABOA), we […]