Unpaid ZUPCO Drivers Seize Buses

According to sources cited by Masvingo Mirror, the drivers refuse to part with the buses. They keep them, sleep in them, and even buy fuel and spare parts for repairs themselves to retain control.

The drivers fear that once the buses are surrendered to the depots for repairs, they may take many months to return because the company has no money for repairs, or they may never be released at all.

There are also fears that the buses could be stripped of parts while parked at the depots.

The situation comes as ZUPCO’s workforce has drastically shrunk. The Masvingo Mirror reported sources saying the company now has 1,500 workers, down from a peak of 7,000 a few years ago.

Some 2,000 former workers have since taken the company to court over unpaid salaries, with most having won default judgments that have seen ZUPCO property, including buses, being attached.

Of the 500 buses procured by the company between 2019 and 2022, only 150 are still functional. Almost all of those are reportedly not roadworthy, putting the lives of passengers in grave danger. In violation of the country’s laws, only 10 of the buses are registered and have number plates.

Efforts by the publication to get comment from management were unsuccessful. ZUPCO Operations Director and Acting Chief Executive Linda Samundere ended the call after being told a journalist was seeking her response to the issues raised and did not respond to subsequent calls.

Board Chairman Jamster Chimiga referred questions to the company’s public relations department, which could not be reached for comment by the time of going to print.

Workers’ Committee Chairman Jameson Matapo also declined to comment, saying he was not authorised to discuss company issues with the media.

“The law does not allow me to discuss company issues and besides I do not know you,” said Matapo.