By Tasneem Bulbulia and Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (Numsa) has signed a new wage agreement for one year with the Bombela Operating Company (BOC), the entity which manages the Gautrain.
The agreement was signed on July 16 and is valid from July 1, this year, to June 30, 2026.
Numsa says in a statement that it has negotiated a 4.25% wage increase across the board.
Numsa informs that the housing allowance has increased from R1 300 to R1 400; the night work/trasnport allowance from R112 to R125; the night shift allowance increased from R38 an hour to R40 an hour; and the key performance indicators bonus increased in terms of the wage increase at a rate of 4.25% from R9 600 to R10 016.
Numsa says it is satisfied with the agreement because it was negotiated under “very difficult conditions” of a low March CPI rate of 2.7%.
“One of the benefits of this agreement is that all of the allowances increased by more than the 4.25% across the board,” the union posts.
This agreement follows a negotiation process, which deadlocked on June 9 and threatened the possibility of a strike, as reported by Engineering News.
In a separate statement, the BOC informs that this milestone follows a ballot held on July 15, in which the majority of Numsa-affiliated employees voted against strike action.
The ballot outcome paved the way for the finalisation of the agreement, which had been under discussion since the offer was tabled on June 9, it adds.
“The signing of this agreement reflects a shared commitment to constructive dialogue, mutual respect, and the long-term success of our operations. We extend our sincere appreciation to all employees and union officials for their professionalism, patience, and cooperation throughout the process,” the BOC says.
Meanwhile Gautrain, in partnership with minibus taxi operators, is launching three new Gautrain Midibus Feeder and Distribution Service routes to Parkhurst, Summerset, and Halfway Gardens.
As part of the partnership, Gautrain transfers critical skills to its partners (i.e. taxi associations), supporting their continued growth in professionalism and service excellence. All drivers wear the official Gautrain uniform and receive comprehensive training in advanced and defensive driving, health and safety protocols, and customer service excellence. To ensure ongoing excellence, refresher courses are conducted annually.
The new routes are operated in partnership with Faraday Investment Holdings (FIH) and IPTA Gautrain Feeder Services (IGFS), which are entities of Faraday Taxi Association and Ivory Park Taxi Association respectively.
Speaking about the newly launched Midrand routes, Mathews Mothotse, a representative of IPTA Gautrain Feeder Services (IGFS), described the initiative as a significant step towards integrated public transport. “We are excited about the launch of the long-awaited Midrand routes to Summerset and Halfway Gardens. This initiative will not only serve the community but also help feed many families. Our drivers are a good mix of youth, women and men who will transport commuters with professionalism and pride.”
Patrick Sifundza, a representative of Faraday Investment Holdings (FIH), the taxi association operating the Parkhurst route from Rosebank Station, described the partnership as the first step towards modernising and transforming the taxi industry at large. “We wish to emphasise that we are committed to ensuring that this project becomes a success and gains greater support from the community,” Sifundza said.
The Gautrain Midibus Feeder and Distribution Service addresses a number of issues, including enhancing the integration of the Gautrain system with other public transport services within the Province, improving accessibility to Gautrain stations, and reducing traffic congestion to the stations.
With the launch of the new routes, the fleet now consists of 47 midibuses and two minibus (including wheelchair-accessible vehicles). “The Gautrain midibuses transport more than 78 000 commuters each month. The service has challenged the notion that the taxi industry cannot deliver scheduled, safe, and reliable services,” said Gautrain Management Agency Chief Executive Officer, Tshepo Kgobe.
Launched in 2011 and initially operating from Marlboro Station in partnership with Alexandra Transport Solutions (ATS), the Gautrain Midibus Service was later extended to include Centurion and Hatfield in partnership with Tshwane Taxi Industry (TTI) Shuttle Services. According to Kgobe, “the extension of the Midibus Service to Rosebank and Midrand Stations further reinforces Gautrain’s commitment to seamless integration across multiple modes of public transport through strong and mutually beneficial partnerships. Through the Midibus Feeder and Distribution Service, we have successfully created employment opportunities for 122 people, including 41 women and 37 youth,” said Kgobe.
Kgobe added that a dedicated driver rest facility is being constructed at Marlboro Station to accommodate the growing team of drivers and further enhance their comfort and wellbeing. Through our growing partnership with taxi operators, we are driving economic development and job creation by delivering efficient and reliable public transport services.”