CTA go-slow over PPE, halts government vehicles fuelling

By Bahle Gama
Government vehicles were forced to turn back without fuel on Monday morning as employees at Central Transport Administration (CTA) depots under the Ministry of Public Works and Transport downed tools, protesting the lack of personal protective equipment (PPE).

The go-slow, which reportedly affected multiple depots, left government drivers stranded, highlighting operational vulnerabilities amid growing dissatisfaction over PPE shortages.

Employees said they have been working without proper gear, putting their safety at risk and demanding immediate action from the Ministry.

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When a reporter from this publication visited the Mbabane CTA around 10 a.m., government cars were being turned away.

Some employees were seen sitting under trees, while others scrolled through their phones, making it clear that work had come to a standstill.

Speaking anonymously, several employees expressed frustration over the ministry’s handling of their PPE concerns.

“We have not been given the necessary protective equipment, which puts us at risk. We decided to put our tools down so that the ministry takes us seriously,” said one employee.

Adding to the grievances, employees revealed discontent over the new uniforms introduced by Principal Secretary (PS) Mkhaliphi.

Despite an established process where workers selected preferred gear from options provided by three companies, the PS allegedly bypassed their choices, introducing an unpopular orange uniform without consultation.

“The process of selecting our PPE was completed, but the PS came with an ugly orange uniform and declared it official.

The colour resembles that of inmates, and we were told it was to help identify us as CTA employees from a distance.

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This is not right because this is not the PS’ department,” said another frustrated employee.

In response to the situation, Ministry of Public Works and Transport Communications Officer Sandziso Malinga downplayed the protest.

At 4:22 p.m., he stated, “The situation is that all is normal as has been the case. CTA depots are up and running, and personnel are working.”

The Ministry did not clarify whether it was aware of the go-slow affecting depots countrywide, or whether the PPE situation has or will be resolved, leaving questions about the extent of the disruption and how the issue will be resolved.