Megabus workers protest against alleged corruption

eMBALENHLE – Megabus is back on route after workers called off their week-long strike on Monday, 4 March.

Thousands of commuters, including learners, who daily rely on this transport company’s services were left stranded last week as Megabus employees rose up against their employer.

Their complaints about provident fund payments, of not being included in the company’s Black Economic Empowerment, and about an alleged name change of the company, soon turned into protest actions in front of the bus depot gates near eMbalenhle, preventing the buses from leaving the premises and transporting commuters.

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The workers heard rumours that Megabus is allegedly changing its name and will be entering into a joint venture with a black owned company.

They claimed there were no proper consultations regarding the matter and that the company did not notify them about the changes.

They also accused the company of corruption and maladministration.

Megabus eventually turned to the courts for an interdict, but tensions reached boiling point on Monday morning when the protesters refused to honour the court interdict that they should allow the company to continue with business operations without any disturbance and intimidation.

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The protesters blocked all the entrances into the company’s premises and sang revolutionary songs.

A large number of police were present that day and the protesters used this time to criticise them for being biased and wasting valuable resources that could have been put to better use by combating crime in the area.

Col Maria Sibanyoni, commander of eMbalenhle Police Station, rebutted the allegations by telling the rioters that the police were there to enforce the law.

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She tried to convince them to peacefully disperse, but after a 30 minute caucus the protesters came back with a renewed effort and did not heed the warning from the police.

In the their caucus the protesters took a resolution not to disperse but said that they were ready to die for their money.

The Public Order Police then fired rubber bullets at the protesters. Many allegedly sustained minor injuries, including a pregnant woman.

Buses were taken out of the depot under the escort of the police and private security companies.

This incident prompted the trade union representatives and the company management to resume talks.

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