What does it take to get a bus safely onto the road?
It takes more than a driver and a working engine. It requires skilled employees, regular inspections, reliable technology and a strong commitment to passenger safety.
On Wednesday, 14 October 2026, Buscor welcomed transport leaders and industry stakeholders for an early-morning bus ride as part of its Transport Month celebrations. The programme began at approximately 04:00 at the Matsebula Bus Terminus in Mbombela.
The visit offered guests a closer look at the people, systems and processes behind Buscor’s daily operations. It also highlighted the company’s commitment to road safety, driver wellness, training and reliable commuter services.
Among the attendees were the Deputy Minister of Transport Mkhuleko Hlengwa, MEC Thulasizwe Thomo, MEC Jackie Macie, Buscor Managing Director Mr TM Mathebula and Executive Chairperson Dr Patricia Norah Fakude. CEOs and representatives from SABOA, Myboet’s Transport, the Road Accident Fund (RAF), GNT, MEGA and Cross Border Transport also joined the visit, alongside other industry stakeholders.
The purpose was simple: to show what happens behind the scenes to keep buses, drivers and passengers safe.
From the Terminus to the Road: Experiencing the Commuter Journey
The morning began with a welcome and briefing at the terminus. The delegation then travelled to Hazyview aboard a Buscor bus.
At approximately 06:30, the group began a commuter journey from Hazyview to the Matsebula Bus Terminus. The route included stops at Masoyi and White River.
This was more than an ordinary bus ride. It allowed the delegation to experience the journey from a commuter’s perspective. They also gained insight into the daily operations that keep Buscor moving.
During the final stop in Matsebula terminal Nelspruit, guests received a demonstration of the AutoTrack system. This technology supports the monitoring of buses and drivers. It also helps the team track vehicle movements and manage operations.
For many passengers, catching a bus is part of everyday life. However, they do not always see the work that happens behind each journey. The Transport Month visit helped bring that work into the spotlight.
Beyond the Ticket Counter: Discovering the People Behind Buscor
After returning to the terminus, the delegation toured the ticket-selling area. They learned more about passenger management and the systems that support an organised commuter experience.
The next stop was Buscor Development. Here, the focus shifted to employee training, driver wellness and professional development.
The team explained the importance of driver wellness and fitness-to-drive assessments. They also highlighted training opportunities that help employees develop their skills.
But there is something important to remember: Buscor is about much more than bus drivers!
Behind every bus journey is a team of people with different skills and responsibilities. These include artisans, electricians, diesel mechanics, technicians and other specialists who help maintain the fleet.
In addition, Buscor provides opportunities through internships and artisan apprenticeships. These programmes help people gain practical experience and develop skills for the transport industry.
As a result, Buscor contributes not only to public transport but also to skills development. Safe and reliable transport depends on having the right people with the right knowledge.
Inside the Workshop: How a Bus Becomes Roadworthy
One of the highlights of the visit was the tour of Buscor’s technical workshop. Here, the delegation saw the work that goes into preparing and maintaining buses.
Guests viewed the bus skeleton and body. They also learned how the different components come together to form a complete vehicle.
However, building a bus is only part of the process. The vehicle must also meet important safety and roadworthiness requirements before it can carry passengers.
The workshop demonstration covered vehicle inspections, quality control, brake testing and pre-trip inspection procedures. These checks help identify potential problems before a bus enters service.
A bus may look ready from the outside. Nevertheless, its safety depends on what happens beneath the surface.
Skilled technical employees play a vital role in this process. Their work helps ensure that buses are properly inspected, maintained and prepared for the road.
This is why safety starts long before a bus leaves the depot. It begins with the people who check, repair and maintain each vehicle.
Inside the Control Room: Technology That Keeps Buscor Moving
The delegation also visited the operational control room. This is where bus movements are monitored to support the safety of drivers and passengers.
During the visit, the team explained the OptiBus system and AutoTrack technology. The demonstration highlighted how these systems support fleet monitoring and operational management.
For passengers, the journey may begin when a bus arrives at the stop. Behind the scenes, however, people and technology are working together to support safer operations.
The control room is an important part of this process. It gives the team greater visibility of bus movements and helps support the management of daily services.
The visit reinforced an important Transport Month message: a bus does not simply move because it can. People, technology and safety procedures work together to make every journey possible.
Buscor Leadership Shares a Strong Message on Safety
During the programme, Buscor Managing Director Mr TM Mathebula shared a message that reflects the company’s approach to service delivery:
“We don’t strive to be the biggest but to be the best.”
He emphasised that passenger safety remains Buscor’s priority. He also highlighted the significance of travelling aboard a bi-articulated bus, describing it as the bus of the future.
His message reflected Buscor’s focus on innovation, continuous improvement and putting passengers first.
MEC Thulasizwe also praised Buscor and expressed pride in the company. He described Buscor as the best transport company in Africa and the world. He further acknowledged the company’s work in keeping commuters safe and its presence in Mozambique.
The Deputy Minister of Transport, Mkhuleko Hlengwa, also emphasised that safety must be an everyday responsibility. It should not be treated as a once-off campaign or an activity reserved for Transport Month.
The Deputy Minister Mkhuleko Hlengwa pointed to a reported 13% decrease in road fatalities in Mpumalanga. This was highlighted as an encouraging sign of progress in prioritising road safety.
Furthermore, the deputy minister stressed that safety begins before a bus moves or leaves the depot. Vehicle inspections, driver readiness and responsible driving all play an important role.
Executive Chairperson Dr Patricia Norah Fakude also shared remarks during the programme. Her contribution formed part of the day’s discussions on Buscor’s role in public transport and its commitment to safety.
Together, these messages reinforced the importance of teamwork and accountability across the transport industry.
Transport Month: Celebrating the Work We Don’t Always See
The early-morning bus ride showed that reliable public transport depends on much more than the vehicles passengers see on the road.
It takes drivers, artisans, electricians, diesel mechanics, technicians, training teams and control room personnel. Each employee plays a role in supporting the safety and reliability of Buscor’s services.
Transport Month gives us an opportunity to recognise these contributions. It also reminds us to appreciate the work that happens before, during and after every journey.
From the first inspection in the workshop to the monitoring of buses on the road, every step matters. Every team member contributes to a bigger goal: helping passengers reach their destinations safely.
The visit also highlighted the value of sharing knowledge and experiences across the transport industry. By bringing together government representatives, CEOs and industry stakeholders, the programme created an opportunity to reflect on safety and the future of public transport.
At Buscor, moving people is about more than getting from one place to another. It is about doing so responsibly, safely and with a commitment to continuous improvement.
This Transport Month, we celebrate every person working behind the scenes to keep Buscor moving.
Buscor: We don’t strive to be the biggest but to be the best. Our passengers’ safety is our priority.