North West Legislature Committee on Transport Management: Court Ruling Restores Hope for Ngaka Commuters

The North West Provincial Legislature’s Portfolio Committee on Community Safety and Transport Management (COSATMA), chaired by Hon. Freddy Sonakile, welcomes the judgment delivered on Friday by the North West Division of the High Court, which set aside the interdict obtained by Atamelang Bus Company. The interdict had delayed the Department of COSATMA from appointing a new service provider to restore commuter bus services in the Ngaka Modiri Molema District.

This ruling clears the way for thousands of residents, who have endured months without reliable transport, to finally regain access to essential commuter services.

Committee Chairperson, Hon. Freddy Sonakile, hailed the judgment as a victory for ordinary people: “This ruling is a win for our communities who have been stranded for far too long. Public transport is not a privilege but a necessity for workers, learners, and job seekers. We cannot allow endless legal processes to hold commuters hostage while livelihoods suffer.”

The Committee welcomes the assurance by MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Hon. Wessels Morweng, that services will resume within seven (7) days, as preparations by the Department had already been well advanced before the interdict.

Importantly, the Department has already begun implementing the Committee’s resolution on the absorption of former Atamelang Bus Company workers, ensuring that their jobs and livelihoods are protected as the new operator takes over.

“In a province facing a deep unemployment crisis, every job counts. We are encouraged that the Department has started this process, and we expect it to be carried through without compromise,” Sonakile said.

To strengthen its oversight, the Committee will also formally request a copy of the Service Level Agreement (SLA) of the new service provider, setting out contractual obligations, performance standards, and accountability mechanisms. This will enable the Committee to monitor the operator closely and ensure commuters receive safe, reliable, and sustainable transport services.

Hon. Sonakile concluded: “Our residents must never again be subjected to unnecessary suffering because of legal disputes without proper alternatives in place. This judgment marks a new beginning, but our oversight continues to ensure that promises translate into action.”

Ends
Issued by: North West Provincial Legislature: Media & Communications Unit on behalf of the Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Community Safety and Transport Management – Hon Freddy Sonakile.
To arrange interviews with the Chairperson please contact Ms. Namhla Luhabe on 079 527 0628.