By OBAKENG MAJE

1 October 2025- The North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Wessels Morweng said the previous operator’s contract was terminated due to repeated violations of the Service Level Agreement (SLA). Morweng said despite being contracted to operate 133 buses, the operator consistently provided only 55 buses, a mere 40% of the required capacity.

He further said this left many passengers stranded, as scheduled routes and trips could not be adequately serviced. Morweng added that his department engaged extensively with the operator before the termination by holding several intervention meetings and issuing numerous letters in an attempt to resolve the challenges.

“Unfortunately, the situation did not improve. On 21 November 2024, a termination notice was issued, giving the operator three months to improve services. Instead of recovery, service delivery continued to decline until operations collapsed entirely.

“Consequently, in accordance with the SLA, the contract was formally terminated on 5 March 2025. As a caring government, we could not allow communities, who rely solely on this service to continue suffering. In engagements with employees, bus drivers reported being instructed to overload buses and to drive vehicles with serious mechanical defects, including faulty brakes, thereby endangering passengers’ lives,” he said. 

Morweng said commuters echoed similar frustrations, citing unreliable service, unsafe conditions, and financial losses when monthly tickets could not be honoured. He said the Commuter Forum also submitted a memorandum highlighting these grievances.

“Following the termination, the department initiated a process to appoint a new operator in line with Supply Chain Management (SCM) guidelines. This process was delayed by court challenges from the previous operator, but after a protracted legal battle, the North West High Court dismissed their appeal on 26 September 2025, confirming the department’s right to proceed.

“Today, I am pleased to officially introduce the new operator for commuter services in the Ngaka Modiri Molema District: Ikhwezi Tasmica Joint Venture. This operator has the capacity to provide safe, reliable, and efficient commuter transport ensuring passengers are neither stranded nor overloaded. As I have previously committed, the new operator has been engaged and agreement reached that priority will be given to former employees of Atamelang,” said Morweng. 

He said their absorption will occur in three phases. Morweng said current employees are still in service, former employees who resigned under financial pressure and those dismissed under questionable circumstances.

“The operator committed that training for drivers, ticket sellers, and other staff will commence as a matter of urgency. Employer/Employee committees have been formed to ensure smooth transition. Services will be introduced in phases, beginning with high volume critical routes in and around Mahikeng, Lichtenburg, and Zeerust.

“I appeal to commuters for patience, as all routes will eventually be restored once depots and facilities are fully secured. At present, the Mahikeng depot remains under Atamelang’s ownership, while the Lichtenburg depot has been destroyed, leaving Lehurutshe as the only secured facility,” he said. 

Morweng said he wishes to express his gratitude to the taxi industry for stepping in and assisting communities during this transition. He further calls for continued cooperation between the bus and taxi industries, as they complement one another.

“We rely on SANTACO leadership to nurture this partnership going forward. Ladies and Gentlemen, the resumption of the commuter service in the Ngaka Modiri Molema District marks a new beginning for reliable public transport in our Province. We are committed to restoring dignity, safety and efficiency for all commuters,” said Morweng.

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