Author:sharmini-naidoo

2023: Tough on bus operators December 8, 2023 This year has not been an easy one for bus operators in South Africa. SHARMINI NAIDOO reflects on the evolution of the bus industry – and the many challenges it faces today. The first public bus – or omnibus – was launched in France in 1662. It was a system of horse-drawn carriages that operated on schedule through the streets of Paris. These rides were only available to the nobility and were […]

“Please Remit Beer, Brooms, or Stones…” November 13, 2023 Back in AD 69, Emperor Vespasian generated significant revenue by taxing the trade in urine gathered at public restrooms. No kidding! Ancient Romans valued urine for its ammonia content, but some considered this odious. SHARMINI NAIDOO says South Africans will feel the same way about certain moves by the South African government. The earliest recorded date of taxation took place in Ancient Egypt around 3000 to 2800 BC – even predating […]

To regulate, or not to regulate October 24, 2023 Questions abound when it comes to the future of the Transport Appeal Tribunal (TAT), writes SHARMINI NAIDOO. The intention of regulatory policy is to support economic growth and serve public interests. According to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), “regulations are indispensable to the proper functioning of economies and societies – they underpin markets, protect the rights and safety of citizens, and ensure the delivery of public goods and […]

No new money… September 18, 2023 To prevent a total collapse of South Africa’s finances, the National Treasury has requested that government departments implement “fiscal consolidation measures”. SHARMINI NAIDOO reports that this translates into bigger spending cuts and the utilisation of existing funding, as “no new money” will be allocated. Speaking at the SABOA Annual Conference, Shireen Darmalingam, senior economist at Standard Bank South Africa, highlighted the deterioration in South African consumer confidence, low GDP growth, and the impact of […]

Burning buses: becoming the norm August 24, 2023 At least five people were killed in the violence accompanying the Cape Town taxi strike that began on 1 August. Individuals set fire to buses and cars, blocked roadways, destroyed property, and threw rocks. SHARMINI NAIDOO rues this situation, which has devastated the bus industry. The South African Constitution is considered to be one the most progressive in the world. According to the Minister of Economic Development, Ebrahim Patel, “The foundation of the […]

Navigating political uncertainty July 21, 2023 Policy uncertainty increases risk, garners negative investor sentiment, inhibits growth, and impedes clear decision making and forward planning. These are all critical success factors for any business. With various proposed transport policies and draft regulations up in the air, Sharmini Naidoo reveals that this year’s SABOA Conference is aptly themed “Navigating Policy Uncertainty”.  The SABOA Annual Conference is South Africa’s largest gathering of bus operators and a major highlight on the bus industry calendar. […]

Never a dull moment… June 21, 2023 The Minister of Transport tabled the Transport Budget Vote last month with an allocation of R79.565 billion being approved for the 2023/2024 financial year. A total of R42 million has been budgeted to construct, upgrade, and maintain the national and provincial road networks. SHARMINI NAIDOO reports that the Department’s main focus this year will be on roads, rail, public transport, and critical policy and legislation. SABOA welcomes the investment in both the road […]

The Times They Are a-Changin’ May 16, 2023 The month of May has seen much happen in the bus and coach industry as well as internally at SABOA. There have been considerable changes both at SABOA and within the bus industry, as SHARMINI NAIDOO reports. SABOA has said “au revoir” to Bazil Govender after a dynamic three-year tenure as executive manager. SABOA is extremely grateful to Mr Govender for his passion, energy, determination, and dedication, all of which contributed to […]