By Fanuel Chinowaita
Mutare – For weeks, Mutare residents have endured the pain of being overcharged by commuter omnibuses—forced to part with US$1 for distances that should cost 50 cents. Schoolchildren, the elderly, and low-income workers were left stranded or exploited. When desperation peaked, relief came—not from threats or operations, but from buses that showed up.
That relief arrived through the leadership of Dr Esau Fungai Mupfumi, Chairperson of the Stage Carriage Unified Transport Association (SCUTA), an association formed in 2024 to professionalise and stabilise public transport.
Mupfumi’s record speaks for itself. He entered the transport business in 1995, serving routes to Chimanimani, Bocha, Marange, Nyanga and later Birchenough.
By 1999, his buses connected Bulawayo, Harare and Masvingo, under the old Zimbabwe Stage Carriage Association. In 2000, his excellence was recognised regionally when he was recorded in the SADC Guinness Book as the best individual public transport operator.
Politics aside, Mutare residents know one thing: when transport crises strike, Mupfumi shows up. In 2019, he became the first local businessperson to deploy his own buses during shortages—an idea later adopted nationally through ZUPCO.
Just last week, as commuter omnibuses hiked fares to a dollar and vanished at the sight of enforcement, SCUTA stood firm. Gold Class buses rolled in—charging fair, predictable fares—and so did buses from First Class Academy (Mr Mutsongodza), alongside other SCUTA members such as Mupota, Matsatse and Inter Africa (long-distance). This was service, not slogans.
Yet, these efforts appear unrecognised. SCUTA buses still lack proper ranking space. Mudzviti Bus Terminus—historically meant for buses—is now dominated by commuter omnibuses that continue to charge a dollar.
Why isn’t SCUTA given first preference to use and upgrade this terminus? The current conditions—bucket toilets, dilapidated shades—are unworthy of Mutare. SCUTA has the capacity to fix this.
Recent enforcement exposed deeper questions. When operations began, commuter omnibuses fled. If they are compliant, why run from the Vehicle Inspection Department and the Zimbabwe Republic Police? Do they hold fitness certificates, route authorities, and rank discs? City authorities must answer.
Mutare residents have spoken with their feet—and their relief. SCUTA buses wiped tears, restored order and put people first. If fairness, safety and dignity matter, then it’s time to support SCUTA, prioritise proper bus ranking and shun exploitative commuter omnibuses.
Public transport should serve the people—not bleed them.