R206 million allocated to purchase new GNT buses

An R206.667 million budget has been allocated for the acquisition of new Great North Transport [GNT] buses for the 2025/26 financial year.

This was revealed by the Limpopo MEC for Finance Kgabo Magoai when he presented the Provincial Budget Speech at the Legislature in Lebowakgomo on Tuesday.

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It has been reported recently that GNT have been operating with buses that are unroadworthy across the province. GNT reportedly incurred over R15 million in penalties from the Department of Roads and Transport for non-compliance.

The violations include operating vehicles in a substandard condition. Additionally, GNT accumulated over R500,000 in traffic fines, the majority of which were for operating unroadworthy buses, having faulty safety indicators, and expired permits.

MEC KGABO MAGOAI ANNOUNCES BUDGET TO PURCHASE NEW GREAT NORTH TRANSPORT BUSES

“This budget also allocates a total of R206.667 million to Great North Transport in the 2025/26 financial year for the acquisition of buses to provide much-needed relief to the existing ageing fleet, enhancing operational efficiency and passenger experience,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Department of Economic Development Environment and Tourism has been allocated a budget of R5.181 billion over the next three financial years. R2.287 billion will be made available for the 2025/26 financial year. The budget includes R1.144 billion set aside for transfers to Limpopo Economic Development Agency (LEDA), R102.064 million for Limpopo Tourism Agency and R72.143 million to the Limpopo Gambling Board.

The transfer to LEDA is inclusive of R730.788 million for the implementation of Musina Makhado Special Economic Zone and Fetakgomo Tubatse Industrial Hub catalytic projects and other economic development enablers.

Its allocation also includes R68.500 million for waste management and air quality control; and for the completion, refurbishment, maintenance, operationalisation and equipping of various state resorts.