Ramathuba: Great North Transport cannot be allowed to fail
Limpopo Premier Phophi Ramathuba says there is a need to bail out cash-strapped Great North Transport bus service.
The state-owned bus company has been struggling financially, forcing it to reduce its operating fleet.
Ramathuba visited the company head office in Polokwane on Tuesday.
She warned that the government cannot let the company collapse, as it is the most affordable mode of transport for the workers in poor communities.
The company currently has only 24 buses that are operational with over 100 grounded at the depot due to mechanical issues.
Ramathuba said there is need to hire more mechanical engineers to maintain the buses, as there are currently only four engineers.
"The situation is quite depressing; there is lots that needs to be done. There workers should not despair," she added.
"There is a lot that needs to be done, we are going to take decisions and some of them will not be popular. We have put the entire management on suspension."
In May, the company's CEO, Dr Matata Mokoele, CFO Nazeem Essa, and COO Mahlaku Mogoashane were suspended with full pay due to the company's financial and worker-related issues, which led to protests and night vigils by employees.
These challenges included unpaid pension funds and medical aid schemes affecting over 1,000 employees, despite salary deductions.
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