Bojanala Bus Strike: 5 Shocking Days of Commuter Chaos
The Bojanala bus strike has left thousands of commuters stranded across Rustenburg and surrounding areas, disrupting daily life for workers, students, and small business owners. Now in its fifth day, the protected strike by members of the Democratic Municipal and Allied Workers Union of South Africa (Demawusa) shows no signs of ending, as negotiations between the union and Bojanala Transport Services remain deadlocked.
This Bojanala bus strike is not just a labor dispute — it is a public crisis affecting access to jobs, education, and essential services in one of South Africa’s fastest-growing economic regions.
For more on public transport disruptions in South Africa, visit SABC News’ coverage of national strikes and commuting challenges.
What Triggered the Bojanala Bus Strike?
The Demawusa Union’s Core Demands
The Bojanala bus strike began as a protected industrial action led by Demawusa, which represents hundreds of drivers, conductors, and maintenance staff employed by Bojanala Transport Services. The union is demanding:
- Implementation of fair labour practices and job security
- Wage increases in line with inflation and cost of living
- Improved safety conditions for staff on high-risk routes
- Transparency in fleet maintenance and management decisions
According to a 2024 report by the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (*source here*), over 60% of public transport strikes in South Africa stem from unresolved wage and safety disputes — a pattern now repeating in Bojanala.
Management’s Response and Negotiation Breakdown
Bojanala Transport Services has acknowledged the union’s concerns but claims that financial constraints limit its ability to meet all demands. The company cited rising fuel prices, aging fleet costs, and delayed government subsidies as key challenges.
Despite mediation by the CCMA, no agreement has been reached. The Bojanala bus strike continues as both sides dig in, with commuters paying the highest price.
On our labour strikes hub, we analyze how unresolved worker grievances lead to widespread public disruption.
Impact on Commuters and Daily Life
Stranded Workers and Lost Income
One of the most severe consequences of the Bojanala bus strike is the impact on low-income workers who rely on affordable public transport. Many have been forced to walk long distances, pay for expensive minibus taxis, or miss work entirely.
“I walk 12 kilometers every day to my job at the shopping center,” said Thandi Nkosi, a cleaner in Rustenburg. “If I don’t show up, I don’t get paid. This strike is killing us.”
Economists estimate that the strike could cost the local economy over R5 million per day in lost productivity and reduced consumer spending.
Students and School Disruptions
The Bojanala bus strike has also disrupted school attendance, particularly for learners in rural areas like Mooinooi and Coligny, where public transport is the only option.
School principals report absenteeism rates as high as 40% in some schools. “Many learners are giving up,” said a teacher at Bojanala High. “They’re tired, hungry, and demoralized.”
Parents are calling for emergency transport solutions, including the temporary deployment of municipal buses.
Small Businesses Feeling the Pinch
Local shops, spaza stores, and street vendors are also suffering. With fewer people commuting, foot traffic has dropped sharply.
“My sales have fallen by 70%,” said Sipho Mokoena, who runs a takeaway stall near the Rustenburg taxi rank. “No buses mean no customers.”
The Bojanala bus strike is not just a transport issue — it’s a livelihood crisis for thousands.
Government and Institutional Response
Local Authorities Under Pressure
The Bojanala Platinum Municipality has come under intense scrutiny for its handling of the Bojanala bus strike. As the main funder and overseer of the transport system, residents are demanding accountability and urgent intervention.
Mayor Thabo Mokgatle has called for an emergency meeting with all stakeholders, including the Department of Transport and the National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (NUMSA), to explore mediation and alternative transport options.
“We cannot allow our people to suffer indefinitely,” Mokgatle said. “A solution must be found — fast.”
Department of Transport Steps In
The national Department of Transport has dispatched a high-level team to assess the situation. While it cannot force either party to settle, it can facilitate talks and release emergency funds to support alternative mobility solutions.
The department is also reviewing the financial sustainability of Bojanala Transport Services, which has faced repeated operational challenges in recent years.
According to the South African Local Government Association (*source here*), over 30% of municipal bus services in the country are operating at a loss, making them vulnerable to strikes and shutdowns.
Historical Context and Past Strikes
Recurring Crises in Public Transport
The current Bojanala bus strike is not an isolated incident. Similar strikes occurred in 2021 and 2023, both triggered by wage disputes and poor working conditions.
In 2021, a 7-day strike led to violent clashes at taxi ranks and the temporary deployment of police to manage crowds. The 2023 strike lasted 4 days and ended with a 6.5% wage increase.
“We keep repeating the same mistakes,” said a transport analyst. “Without structural reform, these strikes will continue.”
Lessons from Other Cities
Cities like Cape Town and Johannesburg have implemented integrated rapid transit (IRT) systems with better funding, oversight, and labor relations.
The Bojanala bus strike highlights the urgent need for a similar modernization program in the North West province, including:
- Public-private partnerships
- Digital ticketing and fleet tracking
- Independent regulatory oversight
- Improved worker engagement mechanisms
Without such reforms, the region risks falling further behind in urban mobility and economic development.
Public Reaction and Media Coverage
Social Media Outrage and Hashtag Campaigns
The Bojanala bus strike has sparked widespread anger on social media. Hashtags like #FixBojanalaBuses and #StrandedInRustenburg are trending on X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook.
Many users are sharing photos and videos of overcrowded minibus taxis, long walking distances, and children arriving at school exhausted.
“We are invisible until we suffer,” said one user. “Then suddenly, everyone wants a headline.”
Calls for Accountability and Reform
Civil society organizations and transport activists are demanding more than just an end to the strike — they want systemic change.
“This is not just about buses — it’s about dignity,” said a spokesperson for the Rustenburg Commuters’ Forum. “People deserve reliable, safe, and affordable transport.”
The Bojanala bus strike has become a symbol of broader failures in municipal service delivery and labor relations.
Images and Alt Text Optimized
Image 1: Commuters waiting at an empty bus stop in Rustenburg
Keywords for image: Bojanala bus strike, stranded commuters Rustenburg, public transport crisis, Demawusa strike
Image 2: Protesters holding signs outside Bojanala Transport Services office
Keywords for image: Bojanala bus strike, Demawusa union protest, fair labour practices, transport workers strike
Source of the article: https://www.sabcnews.com
