Kombis unite for noble cause

Nhlalwenhle Ngwenya
WHY cana��t we all get along?

Thata��s a question asked by commuter omnibus operators from Bulawayo Public Transport Association (Bupta), Tshova Mubaiwa and Bulawayo Transit.

The three associations although heavy on each othera��s heels in pursuit for customers have decided to unite for a noble cause whenever therea��s a funeral in areas that they ply.

Instead of offering transport as separate associations, they now go as a united front to help bereaved families.

The threesomea��s noble footprint has been noticed in Nketa.

a�?Every time therea��s a funeral in Nketa, each association brings two kombis. This goes a long way in assisting us and the bereaved,a�? said Nketa Councillor, Mzango Dube.

At the last funeral wake in the area, 90 people were ferried to and from the cemetery.

a�?a�?This couldna��t be better timed because some struggle to organise transport. But because of the associations, this hurdle has been solved for them, six kombis carry about 90 people,a�? added the Councillor.

Administration director of Bulawayo Public Transport (Bupta), Albert Ncube, said for every funeral they spent close to $120 in assisting families that find themselves in desperate situations.

a�?Some families have funeral policies that cater for their transport. But there are families which struggle to make ends meet. Almost per funeral we spend close to $120 because ita��s $60 to hire a Kombi for a funeral and the other costs are for fuel,a�? said Ncube.

Nombuyiso Dube from Nketa 9 is thankful for the development.

a�?Ita��s a reflection that they (operators) have the society at heart,a�? said Dube. .