By Fanuel Chinowaita
Mutare – 22 June 2025 – The City of Mutare is in the final stages of implementing a new urban transport framework following successful registration of commuter omnibus operators under formal associations, a move aimed at restoring order and curbing the influence of illegal rank marshals (mahwindi).
In a follow-up to last month’s stakeholders’ meeting held at Queens Hall, Mutare City Council’s Corporate Communications Officer Charles Sadondo confirmed that most operators have complied and joined one of the four recognized commuter transport associations Manicaland Drivers and Transporters Association (MDATA), Urban Link, Progressive Family Trust, and SCUTA.
“We are now working on the remaining logistical issues to ensure a smooth rollout of the programme,” he said. “Specifically, we are finalizing the Service Level Agreements (SLAs), which will outline the terms and conditions for the allocation of ranks and the operation of the programme.”
Once the SLAs are completed, council will begin allocating designated ranks to each association and enforce the new operating system, which includes branded vehicles and regulated marshals employed by the associations.
The new system is part of the city’s broader strategy to clean up the public transport sector, eliminate lawlessness at ranks, and align with the 2024 directive from the Ministry of Transport mandating that all public transport operators belong to formal associations to obtain operational permits.
The SLAs will also help the city maintain oversight and enhance cooperation between authorities and operators, improving service delivery and commuter safety.
Passengers’ representatives, including the Manicaland Association of Passengers (MAPs), have called for urgent timelines, warning that delays could undermine progress.
With associations now formed and operators on board, the success of the programme now hinges on timely finalization and enforcement of the agreements.