The Swaziland Local Transport Association (SLTA) has confirmed that transport operators are formally initiating negotiations with government and stakeholders to secure the outstanding portion of a previously requested 50% fare increase.
They are seeking approval for the remaining portion of the previously negotiated adjustment.
Operators say they initially requested a 50% increase, but government only granted 25% at the time, with an understanding that the balance would be considered later.
They are now engaging government to implement that outstanding 25%, citing rising fuel and operational costs as key drivers of their request.
Musa Peter Dlamini, the association’s General Secretary, confirmed this to this publication following its Annual General Meeting, attended by representatives from all 11 local branches across the kingdom’s four regions, held yesterday at its main office, Office No.16 Post Office Building, in Manzini.
The branches include Mbabane, Manzini, Bhunya, Mankayane, Matata, Big Bend, Pigg’s Peak, Buhleni, Siteki, Hlatikulu, Simunye and Siphofaneni.
The SLTA, also referred to in some contexts as the Swaziland Local Kombi Association (SLKA), is an organisation representing local public transport operators (primarily kombis/taxis, buses, and related services) in the kingdom.
It advocates for operators’ interests, including fare adjustments, engagement with government on regulations (e.g, permits, tolls, and fuel-related costs), and operational sustainability.
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Speaking after the meeting, Dlamini said fuel price hikes had been a dominant issue.
“As local transport operators, we have not yet increased fares so part of that we discussed what is the way forward,” he explained.
The operators resolved to engage relevant stakeholders rather than acting unilaterally.
He highlighted that they were aware of the protocol, adding that they do not just increase fares without consulting relevant stakeholders.
He mentioned that their key relevant stakeholders are the National Road Transportation Council, the ministry of public works and transport, and then consumers.
He said they also need to engage the consumers and look at a competitive price to apply in terms of the increases.
Dlamini emphasised that fares had remained stagnant for a long time.
He noted the timing of the latest fuel adjustments.
“Just yesterday (Tuesday), fuel increase was effected in South Africa, and locally, the government gazette issued stated that petrol is increasing again.
“But we do not even know how many times the fuel hike has been effected, but transport operators have not been increasing prices in the kingdom.”
The association is particularly determined to implement the second half of a 50% increase originally sought some time ago.
“The last time we wanted a hike of 50%, but government gave us 25% and said instead we should stagger, and promised we would get the other 25% later,” Dlamini recalled.
“So, we want to implement the other half of 25%.”
This latest development builds on the recent decision by many operators to revert to charging the maximum authorised fares after a period of leniency in which discounts were offered to commuters.
Notices inside vehicles, including on the busy Mbabane–Manzini route, informed passengers of the return to full gazetted fares (for example, E25 on certain routes) with effect from April 13.
Operators have attributed this move to sustained cost pressures, including repeated fuel and commodity price rises.
The SLTA’s renewed call for the additional 25% adjustment is expected to form a key part of formal engagements in the coming weeks.
