North West Legislature
After eight months of disruption that left thousands of residents in Ngaka Modiri Molema District without reliable public transport, commuter bus services are set to resume. The Portfolio Committee on Community Safety and Transport Management has hailed this development as a major win for both commuters and workers. Chaired by Hon. Freddy Sonakile, the committee has applauded the Department of Transport for stepping in and implementing key recommendations, including the absorption of former employees from the previous operator. This move comes amid broader efforts in the Free State to stabilise municipal services, where similar crises have plagued areas like Mafube with financial woes and unpaid salaries. For Ngaka Modiri Molema, the return of buses promises to ease daily commutes, boost local economies, and restore some normalcy after a prolonged standoff.
The resumption follows a court ruling in August 2025 that cleared the way for a new provider, ending a legal battle that had halted operations since early 2025. As communities celebrate this breakthrough, it highlights the ongoing challenges in South Africa’s public transport sector, where disputes over contracts and worker rights often lead to service breakdowns.
Background to the Transport Crisis in Ngaka Modiri Molema
The commuter bus services in Ngaka Modiri Molema District ground to a halt eight months ago due to a legal interdict by the previous operator, Atamelang Bus Service. The company had gone to court to block the Department of Community Safety and Transport Management from appointing a replacement, leaving residents in areas like Mahikeng, Zeerust, and Lichtenburg without subsidised transport options.
Commuters faced severe hardships, with many resorting to expensive taxis or hitchhiking, putting them at risk of unsafe conditions and financial strain. Reports from the time highlighted how the absence of buses affected workers, students, and families, exacerbating poverty in this rural district. The North West High Court set aside the interdict on 22 August 2025, allowing the department to move forward with a new provider.
The job losses and service gaps also sparked protests and calls for intervention from local leaders. The Portfolio Committee had previously urged the absorption of Atamelang’s employees to protect livelihoods, a recommendation now being actioned in the transition process.
New Service Provider and Phased Rollout
The committee welcomes the appointment of the new service provider, Ikhwezi Tasmica Joint Venture, which has taken over operations and shown cooperation with the department. This joint venture steps in to fill the void left by Atamelang, with a focus on reliable and safe transport for the district’s residents.
The transition will occur in three phases to ensure a smooth handover and minimal disruption. This structured approach aims to integrate systems, train staff, and address any logistical hurdles before full operations resume.
“We particularly commend MEC W.M. Morweng for implementing the Committee’s advice on the absorption of former Atamelang employees into the new service. This demonstrates a commitment to justice and the protection of workers’ livelihoods. We urge all affected employees to cooperate fully with the transition process, which will be carried out in three phases to ensure smooth and orderly service restoration,” said Hon. Sonakile.
Cooperation between bus and taxi operators remains crucial to avoid conflicts and ensure commuters have seamless options. The committee affirms its commitment to ongoing oversight, monitoring the department and the new operator to ensure service delivery, commuter safety, and employee welfare are upheld.
MEC Morweng’s Role and Court Ruling’s Impact
MEC Wessels Morweng welcomed the High Court’s decision to set aside Atamelang’s interdict, describing it as a victory for commuters who had suffered from unreliable services for years. The ruling cleared legal barriers, allowing the department to appoint Ikhwezi Tasmica and resume operations.
Morweng’s implementation of the committee’s advice on employee absorption addresses long-standing concerns about job security in the sector. Former Atamelang workers, who faced uncertainty during the dispute, now have a path to continued employment, reducing the risk of further strikes or disruptions.
The MEC’s office has emphasised that the new contract prioritises safety, reliability, and affordability, aligning with provincial goals to improve public transport amid rising fuel costs and economic pressures.
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