NTI workers face bleak festive season without salaries

December 18, 2025 107

North West Transport Investment (NTI) employees, supported by the South African Workers Union Ya Bashumi, have taken their fight for unpaid salaries to the Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport, demanding the immediate release of an outstanding subsidy owed to the state-owned bus operator.

The demonstration follows months of unpaid wages, with workers warning that ongoing delays could leave them spending yet another festive season without an income. The union says the situation has pushed employees to the brink, placing severe strain on households already under financial pressure.

The union claims the Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport has repeatedly failed to meet its financial obligations to NTI, despite being aware of the company’s deteriorating financial position. The union further alleges that the department has prioritised payments to other service providers while withholding NTI’s subsidy — a move it describes as unjust and discriminatory.

Union spokesperson, Lebusa Mamaregane, outlined the impact of the delayed subsidy on workers and accused the department of unfair treatment.

Workers say the prolonged delays have left many without salaries for months, forcing some into severe financial distress. Several employees report struggling to afford basic necessities, including food, electricity and medical care.

One affected, Lorraine Skothi, shared her personal hardship, saying she is unable to afford medication or adequately support her family.

The Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport, however, maintains that it is unable to release the subsidy at this stage. The department says NTI’s management has failed to meet critical governance and compliance requirements, making it unlawful to transfer public funds under the current circumstances.

Officials claim the bus operator has not submitted verified records of licensed and roadworthy buses, up-to-date financial statements or a reliable employee register. The department warns that releasing funds without these documents would amount to irregular expenditure.

A departmental accountant explained why the subsidy cannot be paid until compliance issues are resolved.

The union disputes the department’s position, arguing that workers should not be punished for alleged management failures. It says the ongoing standoff has left families destitute and stripped workers of their dignity, particularly as the festive season approaches.

NTI is a North West provincial state-owned bus operator providing subsidised public transport services on several routes in Gauteng. The dispute has now placed pressure on both the Gauteng and North West provincial governments to intervene, with talks expected in an effort to find a resolution.

Meanwhile, the union is expected to hand over a memorandum of demands to the department, insisting that an urgent solution is needed to prevent further hardship for workers.

#YNews: #NorthWestTransportInvestment employees face another festive season without pay as a subsidy dispute with the Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport continues.

Workers, including Lorraine Skothi, say they are struggling to afford basic necessities. pic.twitter.com/hUoroV8gqx

— Y (@Yfm) December 18, 2025