Unpaid ZUPCO Drivers Hold on to Buses Amid Mounting Financial Crisis

Drivers employed by the Zimbabwe United Passenger Company (ZUPCO) who reportedly have not received their salaries for more than two years are retaining buses assigned to them and using them to generate income for their welfare.

Sources cited by The Masvingo Mirror said the drivers were refusing to return the buses to company depots. Some are reportedly sleeping in the vehicles, while also using their own money to purchase fuel and meet the cost of spare parts and repairs in order to keep the buses operational.

The drivers are said to fear that surrendering the vehicles for repairs could result in lengthy delays, given the company’s alleged lack of funds. Some reportedly worry that the buses may not be returned to them at all once they are taken to the depots.

There are further concerns that the vehicles could be stripped of valuable parts while parked at the company’s facilities.

The reported standoff comes against the backdrop of a significant decline in ZUPCO’s workforce. According to sources quoted by The Masvingo Mirror, the company now employs approximately 1,500 workers, down from a peak of about 7,000 employees several years ago.

Meanwhile, around 2,000 former employees have reportedly taken ZUPCO to court over unpaid salaries. Many of them are said to have obtained default judgments, resulting in the attachment of company property, including buses.

Of the 500 buses acquired by ZUPCO between 2019 and 2022, only about 150 are reportedly still operational. However, sources said that most of those vehicles are not roadworthy, raising concerns about passenger safety. Only 10 of the buses are reportedly registered and displaying number plates, contrary to statutory requirements.

Attempts to obtain a comment from ZUPCO management were unsuccessful. The company’s Operations Director and Acting Chief Executive, Linda Samundere, reportedly ended a telephone call after being informed that a journalist was seeking her response to the allegations. Subsequent calls went unanswered.

ZUPCO board chairman Jamster Chimiga referred questions to the company’s public relations department, which had not responded by the time of publication.

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

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