BY MFANUFIKILE KHATHWANE
MBABANE – The Government of Eswatini is exploring the possible procurement and utilisation of electric buses as part of efforts to modernise the country transport sector, with a high-level delegation currently in Uganda to assess the technology and strengthen regional partnerships.
The delegation, led by Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Public Works and Transport Thulani Mkhaliphi, paid a courtesy visit to Uganda’s Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MoSTI), where they were received by the Minister, the Permanent Secretary and the Under Secretary.
During the meeting, discussions centred on Africa’s growing potential to manufacture electric vehicles and how the innovation can become a platform for African countries to collaborate, forge partnerships and build networks around the production and utilisation of such vehicles across the continent.
Meanwhile, the delegation is expected to proceed to Jinja for a technical visit to (KMC), where members will observe the manufacturing of electric vehicles, with particular focus on the Kayoola buses, which Government is exploring for possible procurement and utilisation in the Kingdom of Eswatini.
The technical visit will give the delegation an opportunity to gain first-hand knowledge of the manufacturing process and assess the technology as Government considers sustainable transport solutions for the country.
In addition, representatives of the private sector are also taking part in the visit through the National Road Transport Council’s Freight and Passenger divisions. Their participation reflects a collaborative approach between Government and industry in charting the way forward for sustainable transport solutions.
The delegation comprises Principal Secretary Thulani Mkhaliphi, National Road Transport Council Chairman Sabelo Dlamini, Road Safety Council of Eswatini Deputy Chairman Muzi Masuku, GTM representative Mduduzi Lukhele, Deputy Director of the Road Transportation Department Muzi Maphanga, and Senior Energy Officer Thembinkosi Ndzimandze from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Energy.
Overall, the visit forms part of Government’s efforts to explore cleaner and more efficient transport technologies while strengthening cooperation with other African countries in advancing innovation and sustainable mobility.
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