Africa-Press – Eswatini. Government has issued a firm and detailed response to recent reports suggesting that public transport operators are calling for bus fare hikes, assuring the nation that no fare increase has been approved.
Speaking through an official public notice, Minister for Public Works and Transport Chief Ndlaluhlaza Ndwandwe clarified Government’s position, stressing that commuters should remain calm and rely on verified information.
“It is important to state clearly that there have never been any official engagements, negotiations or consultations between Government and recognised transport industry representative bodies on any proposed increase in bus fares,” the Minister stated.
The Ministry emphasised that public transport fare adjustments in Eswatini follow a structured, transparent and legally guided process. These processes involve the Road Transport Council, which represents road transport associations and operates under the Road Transportation Act of 2007.
“Any adjustment to public transport fares is the result of formal, structured and officially sanctioned engagements. No decision of such national importance is ever taken unilaterally,” said Ndwandwe.
The Government acknowledged the vital role public transport plays in the daily lives of emaSwati and the broader economy. While recognising operational costs faced by transport operators, the Ministry reiterated that affordability and accessibility for commuters remain a priority.
“Government remains fully cognisant of the operational costs of providing transport services, but fare reviews must follow established procedures that include stakeholder consultation and Parliamentary oversight,” the statement read.
The Ministry further clarified that bus fare increases are not automatically linked to adjustments in road user fees or other regulatory charges.
“Bus fare increases are not unilateral decisions by road transport operators, nor are they automatically linked to adjustments in user fees or regulatory charges. Any proposal to review fares must follow established procedures,” the Minister said.
Government assured the public that transparency will guide any future discussions.
“Should consultations on fare adjustments be initiated in the future, the public will be duly informed through official Government communication channels,” Ndwandwe added.
The Ministry also urged transport industry players to avoid announcing unofficial information that may create unnecessary alarm.
“Road transport industry players are advised to desist from announcing unofficial information which may cause unnecessary concern among citizens,” the Minister emphasised.
Government reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that public transport remains safe, reliable, affordable and accessible.
“Our commitment is to safeguard the interests of commuters while strengthening the transport sector through collaboration with regulatory bodies and stakeholders,” Ndwandwe concluded.
