Bupta adopts inclusive policy, employs female drivers

Providence Moyo

Bulawayo United Public Transport Association (BUPTA) has embarked on an inclusive measure to address unemployment among women in Bulawayo employing female kombi drivers.

So far, the transporter has employed two female drivers.

Speaking to Community Podium BUPTA chairperson Thulani Msipha  said the development is meant to encourage  women to break stereotypes suggesting that transporting people is a preserve for men. 

“We have jumped on a gender inclusive system in so that we give equal opportunities to both genders and create employment opportunities for women. The transport industry is male dominated but women have to challenge these inequalities in all spheres hence we are calling for more women to join the organisation so that we build and nurture this project with women involved.”

Maphosa however highlighted that there are no exemptions and waivers in terms of qualifications and skills required but that the organisation uses the legal framework and requirements for public transport which requires every public driver to have at at least a five year old license and also be above the age of 25.

BUPTA committee member Ronald Muzami emphasised that this project is also meant to compliment government’s efforts at increasing women’s participation in different spheres of life.

“UVision 2030 uyaphumelela nxa sisebenzisana,  sibambisene ekuvuleleni abanye abantu amathuba emisebenzi  njalo siwalinganisa lawo mathuba kwabesifazana labesilisa as long as belawo ama requirements eneleyo njalo belalo ulwazi olwaneleyo ngomsebenzi abawufunayo.”

According to the Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency (ZimStat), the

majority of Zimbabwe’s economically inactive and unemployed people among the working-age population of 9 046 415 are women, who constitute 59,6%