THE eThekwini Municipality Council has resolved to establish an entity that will take over bus operations in Durban. The City’s Executive Committee has reported that all necessary administrative preparation for the establishment of the entity have been concluded. In February, bus drivers blocked major routes around Durban to highlight the fact that they were owed outstanding December salaries and bonuses.
“We have to be realistic in our plans and recognise that attending to the two matters will impact on the deadline of 1 July, but this is not an indication that the City is reneging on its commitment of setting up a Municipal entity. We have started to deal with these new developments in order to make sure that the establishment of the entity is conducted and concluded in a manner that is compliant with all prescripts,” said municipal spokesperson, Tozi Mthethwa.
She said the Municipality wanted to reassure staff members working in the current bus operation company that it was committed to the process and was concerned about the welfare of staff. Mthethwa added that the staff need not worry about their jobs.
“We will keep an open line of communication between all parties to make sure that concerns are raised and attended to timeously,” she said.
Mthethwa said the Municipality was committed to the process of the deployment of an Intervention Team to stabilise the bus operation. This move, which was a result of a court process is an Order of Court, thus binds the parties to its stipulations.
