Great North Transport
Great North Transport resumes full operations following Limpopo Premier’s interventions, as the state-owned bus company announced on 26 August 2025 that it has addressed vehicle maintenance backlogs, staffing issues, and scheduling delays after a period of severe financial struggles. With government approval for 71 new buses and a leasing programme boosting the fleet, GNT aims to operate at least 200 buses from 1 September 2025, urging commuters to support the revitalised service amid ongoing efforts to stabilise the entity.
Announcement of Resumed Operations
Limpopo’s Great North Transport (GNT), a state-owned bus company, has confirmed its return to full operational capacity after months of challenges that reduced its fleet to just 24 buses. In a statement released on 26 August 2025, GNT spokesperson Leo Gama highlighted the successful resolution of key issues, including vehicle maintenance, staffing shortages, and route delays. “We are asking our commuters to please support us again as we normally do because it is primary important to get the support from our customers,” Gama said.
The company, which serves critical routes across the province, had been struggling with a shortage of buses and unforeseen breakdowns, leading to incomplete service on several lines. Gama assured that all areas of GNT operations are now back online, with the fleet set to expand significantly. “In addition to the new fleet, GNT has allocated more buses to its nine depots, with some secured through a leasing programme that has already delivered positive results,” he added.
This turnaround follows a directive from Limpopo Premier Dr Phophi Ramathuba, who visited the GNT depot in Polokwane in July 2025 and vowed to support the financially distressed entity. During the oversight visit on 22 July 2025, Ramathuba emphasised the need for unpopular decisions to stabilise the company, including placing executive management on special leave. “The crisis at Great North Transport has deepened but the provincial government will be taking unpopular decisions to stabilise the company,” she stated at the time.
Background on GNT’s Financial and Operational Challenges
GNT’s troubles have been well-documented throughout 2025, culminating in severe operational cutbacks. In February 2025, the company shut down over 200 routes due to financial constraints, leaving commuters stranded and sparking public outcry. The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Limpopo called for a full investigation into the collapse, criticising the lack of accountability and urging urgent action to save the entity.
Financial mismanagement came under scrutiny, with allegations of corruption prompting the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) to probe GNT in February 2025. The Limpopo government directed officials to cooperate fully, amid reports of unpaid pension funds and medical aid schemes affecting over 1,000 employees, despite salary deductions. These issues led to protests, including night vigils by workers demanding resolution.
In May 2025, the GNT Board suspended CEO Dr Matata Mokoele, CFO Nazeem Essa, and COO Mahlaku Mogoashane with full pay, following allegations of financial mismanagement and worker-related grievances. The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) welcomed the suspensions, viewing them as a step towards addressing the crisis. By July 2025, the fleet had dwindled to 24 operational buses, severely impacting public transport in rural and urban areas.
Conflicts with the South African National Taxi Council (Santaco) also emerged, with GNT halting services in some Limpopo villages in March 2025 due to attacks on buses and drivers by rogue elements. However, by May 2025, GNT and Santaco-Limpopo reached an agreement to resolve route disputes, paving the way for collaborative operations.
Premier Ramathuba’s Interventions and Government Support
Premier Ramathuba’s July 2025 visit marked a turning point. She announced government support, including the approval for purchasing 71 new buses to be rolled out before the end of the financial year. “The government has actually approved purchase of about 71 buses, new buses, that will be on the road soon. Before the end of the financial year, we will be actually running in full capacity,” Gama confirmed, echoing the Premier’s commitments.
The provincial government allocated R206 million in the 2025/26 budget for new buses, as part of broader efforts to recapitalise GNT. A bailout was discussed, though the DA criticised it as insufficient without addressing root causes like corruption and mismanagement. Ramathuba’s administration has prioritised stabilising the company, recognising its role in providing affordable transport to Limpopo’s residents, many of whom rely on GNT for daily commutes.
In addition to new acquisitions, GNT has introduced a leasing programme to bolster its fleet immediately. This has enabled the allocation of more buses to nine depots across the province, ensuring coverage for previously underserved routes.
Current Status and Future Outlook
As of 1 September 2025, GNT plans to operate at least 200 buses, a substantial increase from the reduced fleet earlier in the year. Gama expressed optimism, stating: “He says all areas of GNT operations are back, and the bus company will operate at least 200 buses from 1 September.”
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