Launch of NEWCO Maluti bus services and visit to Qwaqwa Route 4: October Transport Month 2012

Transformation of Maluti Bus Service: Empowerment Deal

In September 2000, the then Free State Department of Public Works, Roads and Transport entered into a negotiated agreement with Buford Investments and the FDC trading as Scopeful 21 (Pty) Ltd to operate bus services in the QwaQwa, Harrismith and Bethlehem areas.

Scopeful 21 (Pty) Ltd trading as Maluti Bus Services is a consortium compromising 60% shareholding by Buford Investments (Pty) Ltd and 40% housed by the FDC on behalf of the Taxi Industry, employees of Maluti Bus Services and the community of Maluti a Phofung.

The original contract was divided into two contract areas, i.e. line haul and internal services. The internal service was to cover areas within QwaQwa. The external services were to operate from QwaQwa to Bethlehem and Harrismith, and were concluded for a period of five years. The contract was extended for 2 years and has been on month to month renewal since August 2007.

Prolonged negotiations with the stakeholders resulted in an amicable solution and acceptance of the shareholding structure as mentioned hereunder:

·60% shareholding to the Taxi Industry (15% QwaQwa, Bethlehem 15%, 15% Harrismith, 10% Tshiame and 5% Provincial Taxi Council)
·10% current MBS employees
·30% Ripple Effect

The company is currently managed by Acting CEO who reports to the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors is made of the previous majority shareholder, experts, and representatives from labour; provincial, regional and local taxi representatives.

Route 4 QwaQwa EPWP Road Project:

The Department is currently constructing an access road linking the communities of Letshalemaduke, Thaba Bosiu and Tseseng to the shopping centres, schools and clinics. This project is being implemented using the labour intensive model of the EPWP.

Construction work on the access road approaches the halfway mark and it is estimated that the Expanded Public Works Project (EPWP) totalling R270 million will be completed within three years. Layer work on the road is done according to conventional methods but labour intensive work is used when it comes to surfacing, building of drainage, sidewalks and road markings.

Empowering the local communities is at the heart of the EPWP’s Construction Development Programme. Not only are the materials, supplies and suppliers obtained locally, the development and training of human resources is an investment to the future of the area.

In total 154 youths, 106 females and 107 males got an opportunity to take part in general road works training. Their curriculum includes health, safety and first aid, steel fixing, assembling of gabions, construction of pavement layers and mixing and placing of concrete.

Enquiries:
Z. Walaza
Cell: 082 410 6516