Residents in Cowdray Park have raised concerns about mistreatment by public transport operators servicing the Central Business District (CBD) and Nkulumane/Emganwini routes.
The residents reported that kombi operators have created a “border” where they force passengers to switch vehicles mid-trip based on their destinations, separating those heading to Hawkflight and beyond Garikai areas.
They also expressed frustration over fare hikes during peak hours, with kombi operators charging US$1 per trip—double the normal fare.
“The public transport situation is becoming unbearable. Whether you’re coming from town or Nkulumane, it’s a challenge. The kombi drivers exchange passengers at this so-called border, with some taking people to Hawkflight while others take those heading to the new stands. A lot of belongings are lost during these exchanges. This practice needs to stop. It mainly occurs during off-peak hours when there’s less pressure,” noted Maud Tarara, a Cowdray Park resident.
Another resident, Hazel Dlodlo, criticized the high fares charged during peak hours.
“The fare hikes during peak hours are a major issue. They take advantage of commuters. If you leave home after 6:30 AM, you’ll pay US$1 per trip, or ZAR15 if you’re paying in rands,” she said. “Imagine if the whole family is commuting—children going to school, parents going to work—it’s unsustainable. We really wish the ZUPCO buses had continued servicing our route because we were paying US$1 for three passengers or ZAR6 per person. These kombi operators are ripping us off.”
Bulawayo Progressive Residents Association Chairperson for Ward 28, Michael Ndlovu, said they have attempted to engage various stakeholders to address the issue.
“This is a serious concern in Cowdray Park. We recently convened a meeting with all relevant stakeholders to discuss this matter. The VUTA association was willing to work with residents and help address the ‘border’ issue,” Ndlovu said. “However, there are some kombis not affiliated with any associations, and they continue to operate from 6th Avenue and other undesignated points, causing chaos.”
Ndlovu added that they are waiting for the council to grant VUTA clearance to operate on the Cowdray Park route, with hopes that they will provide better services.
“Following our meeting, we’re awaiting council approval for their route so they can start carrying passengers. That way, as residents, we’ll have the authority to speak out when mistreated and to address fare hikes and the passenger swapping issue. We want this resolved immediately,” Ndlovu emphasized.
During a Full Council Meeting on Wednesday, Cowdray Park councillors raised the matter, stressing the need for more kombi operators in the area to resolve the issue.
Ward 28 Cllr Ntandoyenkosi Ndlovu said, “Your Worship, what is happening in Cowdray Park is unacceptable. Elderly residents are being swapped from one kombi to another, often losing their belongings in the process and being harassed by the operators. We’ve spoken with VUTA, and they’re ready to provide better services to our residents.”
Ward 15 Cllr Ashton Mhlanga added that Cowdray Park is a “city within a city” and requires more kombis to service its commuting population.
Other councillors did not oppose the proposal but emphasised that any operators allowed to work in the suburb must be affiliated with transport associations and adhere to city bylaws.
