PUBLIC TRANSPORT BACK TODAY, DEMANDS STILL STAND

MANZINI – Public transport will be back today; but the workers in the industry are steadfast in their demands made in 2021, which include the release of the jailed legislators.

The recommencement of public transport operations was yesterday announced at the Manzini Bus Rank, by representatives of the workers, their unions and the owners of the public service vehicles. This was during a meeting held at the exit of the bus terminus, attended by stakeholders of the industry. First to announce the resumption of operations was Machawe ‘Rasta’ Mamba, who is the Chairperson of the Swaziland Transport Communications and Allied Workers Union (SWATCAWU) at the Manzini Bus Rank.

Alternatives

Mamba expressed concern that government was able to find alternatives in dealing with certain situations, yet moving at a snail’s pace in addressing their demands tabled last year October. He said: “We are surprised that government can afford to avail buses which transport the public for free, while they are failing to deal with our demands. One of these demands is the release of the arrested MPs (Members of Parliament).” The incarcerated MPs are Mduduzi Bacede Mabuza of Hosea Constituency and Mthandeni Dube of Ngwempisi Constituency. They were arrested following the political unrest and were charged for, among other offences, contravening the Suppression of Terrorism Act and have been in custody since July 2021 as their quest for freedom through bail applications has been denied to date.

Meanwhile, Mamba, during the address to his colleagues and public transport owners, narrated that the arrest of the legislators impacted their work and it was a known fact. He said since the pair was incarcerated, their clientele dwindled. “We appeal that they listen to our calls and we’d also see how we deal with the other grievances,” Mamba said. Also, he bemoaned that their demand on the poor state of the road network in the country was being addressed at a snail’s pace.  It is worth noting that government has contracted a number of companies to refurbish the dilapidated road network in the country. Subsequently, Eswatini Kombis and Buses Allied Workers Union (EKABAWU) President Mxolisi Fakudze addressed the meeting, wherein he thanked them for their support as he was part of the five public transport workers who were arrested for allegedly assaulting a motorist at the Manzini Bus Rank. Their case was postponed to February 14, 2023, at the Manzini Magistrates Court. The five are purported to have, on November 2, 2022, while at Manzini city centre, assaulted Abdullah Aziz Kolia with a knobkerrie and sjambock several times all over the body.

Resume

Regarding today’s operations, Fakudze said they had agreed that they would resume work, which was further affirmed by SWATCAWU Secretary General (SG) Sticks Nkambule. He said: “The demands that we tendered last year have brought us here. We appreciate the sacrifices made by the owners and our members as we seek     for these demands to be addressed.” Nkambule said they would continue seeking that they be addressed. It is worth noting that last week, the public transport workers resolved to boycott work for two days. They said on Tuesday, they would not report for work in fear for their safety and that for the vehicles they earned a living with.

Furthermore, they said there were threats insinuating that a public transport vehicle, which would be seen operating on Tuesday, exposed itself to a high-risk of being set alight. In fear of losing their means of earning an income, the public transport workers said they had to park their employers’ vehicles to protect them and also, for their own safety. Yesterday, they did not report for work in solidarity with their five colleagues who were arrested for the offence of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.

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