MAHIKENG, North West — Former Atamelang Bus Services workers in the North West province are demanding urgent answers after being excluded from a new public transport contract, despite earlier promises of guaranteed employment.
Following the liquidation of the original company, affected employees were assured that their jobs would be protected and that they would be absorbed into the newly established bus service. However, as the current contract approaches its expiry in March 2027, many of these workers have been left stranded, prompting intervention from the Provincial Legislature’s Portfolio Committee on Transport.
Broken Promises and Financial Hardship
The frustration among the excluded employees has culminated in protests, with 68 individuals currently gathering outside the department to demand accountability.
One former worker highlighted the broken commitments made by provincial leadership, stating, “They promised us no one is going to lose his job.” The worker noted that the department, the Member of the Executive Council (MEC), and the head of the department had explicitly committed to absorbing all former employees of Atamelang Transport. The failure to honor these promises has left workers frustrated and struggling to provide for their families.
The exclusion has severely impacted the livelihoods and health of long-serving staff. Another former employee, who dedicated six years to the company, explained that being left out of the new entity has made it impossible to manage her medical needs.
“I cannot even afford it,” the employee explained regarding her health condition. “If I have to buy new spectacles now, I’ll use 16,000 to buy new spectacles. So, if I’m not absorbed, it’s difficult for me.”
Demanding Fair Treatment and Due Compensation
The oversight has also impacted skilled professionals who were expecting seamless transitions into the new operational structure. A former human resources officer for the bus service expressed dismay at being overlooked despite possessing relevant, up-to-date qualifications.
She emphasized that the workers are adamant about not backing down until they receive the compensation owed to them. “Imagine having that legitimate expectation from people and therefore at the ultimate end we are seated,” the former HR officer stated. “We are opting for the job opportunities whereas some of us are even having the qualifications at this current point of time. It’s very painful.”
Legislative Intervention and Urgent Calls for Action
The situation has drawn the attention of the provincial transport portfolio committee, which is now questioning the criteria used to select workers for the new service and has formally requested a comprehensive report on the selection process.
Committee Chairperson Freddy Sonakile stressed that the matter requires immediate resolution before the current contract expires in March 2027. Sonakile proposed a structural solution to prevent further marginalization of the workers in future bidding processes.
“Even if they are to get a new contract, they must at least keep a clause that says that they will absorb those workers because an injustice has been done to them,” Sonakile advised. “It’s a bit unfair on them, more so when their hope was raised.”
Department Responds to the Crisis
In response to inquiries regarding the ongoing labor dispute, the North West Department of Transport indicated that the matter is still under active consideration. The department cited the recent appointment of a new MEC as a factor in the ongoing review process, suggesting that a final resolution regarding the absorption of the former staff is still being deliberated.
Until a concrete agreement is reached, the excluded workers remain outside the department, waiting for the provincial government to fulfill its initial promises.
