Bus vandalism has become an ongoing challenge for South Africa’s public transport system, with attacks on operators such as Putco, Starline, and Golden Arrow threatening commuter mobility and the economic stability of townships.
Repeated incidents of buses being set alight or damaged have serious economic consequences, affecting workers, small businesses, and transport companies alike.
According to operators, over 100 buses have been vandalised or set alight across South Africa this year, disrupting commuter services and costing companies millions in replacements and repairs. Each incident reduces fleet availability, delays schedules, and directly affects workers and small businesses that rely on daily passenger traffic.
Commuters across the country are directly affected by these disruptions. Nomvula Dlamini, who uses Putco business to travel to work, said the burning of businesses has been chaotic this year.
“It’s chaos. I wait longer for buses. The vandalism and burning of buses affects us who use these buses to get to work,” Dlamini told Vutivi News.
“I worry every morning if the bus will come or if I’ll be stuck waiting in the cold. It’s not just about getting to work, it’s about feeling safe and being able to plan my day.”
She explained that she often has to leave home earlier and take longer routes to reach her job, which affects her morning routine and adds extra transport costs.
“Sometimes I take a taxi to make sure I’m on time, but that costs more than I can afford. By the end of the month, my budget is tight because I spend so much on transport,” she said.
Putco spokesperson Lindokuhle Xulu added that they’re rendering transport services to the community, and the burning of buses affects their schedules.
“Replacing buses destroyed by vandalism costs millions, and insurance claims can take months to settle. Every vehicle lost affects our schedules and commuter services,” said Xulu.
Parliament has also weighed in on the economic impact of bus vandalism. The Portfolio Committee on Transport expressed concern over reports that 47 Putco buses were torched at various depots, a number later revised to 50.
Committee Chairperson Donald Selamolela called the acts senseless, saying they destroyed vital services that connect people to economic opportunities.
“Vandalism has cost the transport sector dearly, and it is condemned with the seriousness it deserves,” Selamolela said.
“In this time and age, when we are talking about broadening all forms of transportation, including aviation, it is shocking that there are people who still think they could burn buses.”
He described the attacks as economic sabotage, urging Putco to investigate and identify those responsible.
“Law enforcement must leave no stone unturned in arresting and bringing to justice whoever is behind this mess. This is an economic crime and the worst form of sabotage that should never be tolerated, whatever the cause was,” Selamolela said.
Minister of Transport Barbara Creecy also condemned the attacks.
“Acts like these are not just vandalism, they are an attack on the economy and the livelihoods of ordinary South Africans,” Creecy said.
She also added that the bus industry plays a critical role in communities.
“The bus industry plays a critical role in moving the workforce and supporting township economies. We will work with law enforcement and operators to ensure perpetrators are held accountable and that measures are in place to prevent future incidents,” she said.
