What If There Were No Kombis?

A primary means of public transport here is provided via privately owned mini-vans called "kombis."  A 14-seater when all the seats are down and used (which is always), each combi drives an informal, regular route.  Most that ply our street for riders run between the townships and the college.  In addition to the driver, there is often a person like a conductor who hangs out the window and cries, "town, town" or "school, school" depending on the direction headed.

People love or hate the kombis.  I've heard them referred to as "flying coffins" as they have few safety codes covering their condition.  Some have doors held on by wires.  In the right frame of mind, however, they are charming.  I love riding the kombis.  Sometimes the ride to NMMU takes 10 minutes - a straight shot.  The longest it has taken me is 35 minutes, because the driver needed to go pick up his girlfriend.  Sometimes I talk to the other riders; sometimes I just sit back and listen to the languages spoken.

Love or hate them, they are completely indispensable.   I can't even guess at the hundreds of miles they each log a day.  Our ride to school costs seven Rand (about a dollar).  At $2/day they are not inexpensive, but they are the most affordable option around.  A rumor is circulating that, starting tomorrow, the kombi drivers will be going on strike in solidarity with a nationwide strike opposing e-toll roads.  This would be devastating to many people - especially in the townships where there is no other transit available, public or private.  It would be the equivalent of the New York subway shutting down.

The kombi is such a part of life here, they are even celebrated in public art:

The kombi on the hill is not parked, but art!