By Timothy Simelane And Ntombi Mhlongo
MANZINI – Some public transport operators have increased fares by 38.46 per cent, saying they are reverting to the maximum fares contained in the gazette.
One of the routes affected is the Manzini-Ekukhanyeni route, where operators have increased the fare from E13 to E18.
The E5 increase represents a 38.46 per cent hike, with operators saying they are forced by economic pressures to revert to the fares gazetted in 2022.
Commuters have complained about the development, saying the E5 increase is too exorbitant for them to afford.
They said had they been consulted, they would have preferred an increase of only E3, taking into account the economic challenges they are currently facing.
The commuters said the new fare was introduced last week and had already placed a heavy burden on them.
“I am a parent sending children to school on a daily basis, while I also travel to Manzini for work. My budget has been dealt a huge blow because I find myself spending over E200 per day,” said one commuter.
The commuters appealed to those responsible to engage the operators with a view to persuading them to lower the fare.
“The implication is that when the new fares that will come with the new gazette are implemented, we will pay even much more,” said another commuter, who asked not to be named.
Meanwhile, one of the managers of Jojo Lobovu Bus, Zwelithini Masilela, confirmed that fares had been increased by E5.
Masilela said the increase was effected to comply with the existing gazette.
He said commuters had been informed about the development, which he described as necessary due to the escalating costs of running the business. Asked whether the fares would be increased again once the new gazette came into force, Masilela said this would depend on the owners of the business.
“But I personally do not foresee us effecting another increase again within a short space of time,” he said.
Ambrose Dlamini, Secretary General of the Local Transport Association, said it was expected that some operators would revert to the 2022 gazette due to the high costs of operating public transport businesses.
Dlamini said the 2022 gazette had already provided for increased fares, but some operators had been charging below the maximum fares stipulated in the gazette.
He said operators had been advised to revert to the maximum fares on the current gazette, particularly due to the escalation in fuel and other operating costs.
“We did tell them to go to the maximum fare. We were just tolerant on the nation,” Dlamini said.
He said the rising cost of fuel was among the factors that had forced operators to reconsider the fares they were charging.
Asked if the operators will be allowed to increase fares again once the new gazette has been issued, he said commuters can expect such to happen because it will still be within the legal regulations.
Meanwhile, in the yet to be released gazette, Members of Parliament have approved a 25 per cent bus fare increase on short routes and a 10 per cent increase on long-distance routes.
The new proposed Maximum Bus and Taxi fare (Amendment) Regulations were tabled by the Minister for Public Works and Transport Chief Ndlaluhlaza Ndwandwe.
The Road Transport Council (RTC) initially proposed a significantly higher increase.
Its May 2026 proposal sought to increase the bus fare for the first eight kilometres from E10 to E15, representing a 50 per cent increase.
For trips between eight and 50 kilometres, the RTC proposed E0.945 per kilometre, also a 35 per cent increase, while journeys beyond 50 kilometres would attract E0.858 per kilometre, a 30 per cent increase. However, this later changed to the current 25 per cent for short distance and 10 per cent for long distance.
The Swaziland Consumer Forum (SWACOF), in a submission dated May 15, 2026, said the proposed adjustment was unjustified and detrimental to consumers.
SWACOF argued that the public transport operators had not exhausted the limits of the fares gazetted in 2022 and questioned the basis for another increase.
The organisation said increasing the short-distance bus fare from E10 to E15 would amount to a 50 per cent increase and would put additional pressure on commuters.
It also warned that consumers would bear the cost of higher fares at a time when households were already struggling with the rising cost of living.
SWACOF said higher transport costs would affect low-income households, small businesses, community institutions and students who rely on public transport.
It called for the 2022 approved fares to be maintained for the 2026/27 financial year, arguing that this would strike a balance between the sustainability of public transport operators and the ability of consumers to pay.
“We urge the ministry to consider its decision in light of consumer realities and the effect the decision will have on the economy of the country. SWACOF stands ready for further constructive dialogue to ensure that transport remains affordable, accessible and fairly regulated for all citizens of Eswatini,” the organisation said.
SWACOF said the ministry’s mandate requires decisions to be transparent, evidence-based and aligned with consumer interests.
“Approving a higher bus fare hike without a clear formula that has been used to reach such figures raises questions about accountability and fairness in regulatory practice,” it said.
