It was business as usual for some bus commuters in and around Mbombela this morning.
Bus drivers were working as usual despite the nationwide bus strike that started today.
This came as a shock for commuters because they were expecting a frustrating morning and thought they will struggle to get to work.
Bus drivers are demanding a 12 per cent increase, and say they will continue until their grievances are addressed. Commuters cannot relax yet since it is unknown if the buses will be operating later today.
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Mr Ndiza Mamba from South African Transport and Allied Workers Union (SATAWU) in Mbombela says that the bus drivers that were operating this morning started to work around 04:00 and the strike was supposed to start at 05:30. “We are monitoring the situation to see if the bus drivers in the next shift will embark on the strike like the rest of the drivers in other provinces. We are uncertain of how the rest of the day will turn out,” he said.
Mr Vian Ndlovu from Buscor buses confirmed that Buscor employees were working as usual except for two drivers.
“All our shifts were covered today. Only two drivers were absent, one is from Barberton and the other from Matsulu,” he said.
Ndlovu said he cannot confirm if the buses will not be operating later.
“All we know is that we are operating as usual, should there be any deviations, we will assist our clients to travel back home. We will just request that they bear with us where we might not be on time, but we will make sure that they reach their destinations,” he said.
