City officials step into the shoes of Windhoek’s bus users

Government and city officials stepped into the shoes of ordinary residents last Wednesday morning, joining a municipal bus ride through Windhoek to gain a better understanding of the daily realities of public transport users.

The initiative, themed \'Leadership in Motion\', was hosted by the City of Windhoek in collaboration with government leaders.

Deputy urban and rural development minister Evelyn !Nawases-Taeyele described the experience as both humbling and eye-opening.

“Not only did we have a ride, but most importantly, we as leaders walked in the shoes of our people. We woke up early, stood at the bus stop, felt the waiting times, experienced the pace of traffic, and shared a seat on the bus just as thousands of Namibians do every day,” she said.

“Behind each bus stop and every route, there are stories of mothers going to work, children travelling to school, and families striving for a better life. As leaders, decision-makers and planners, we must always recognise that fact,” she said.

Windhoek mayor Ndeshihafela Larandja described the trip as a powerful reminder of the central role transport plays in residents’ lives. “What we experienced was more than just a ride. It was a lesson in humility and a reminder of why public transport matters so deeply to the people of Windhoek,” she said.

The mayor reaffirmed the city’s commitment to building a system that goes beyond mobility. “As the City of Windhoek, we are committed to building a transport system that is not only about movement but also about dignity, opportunity and inclusion,” she stated.



Smart work

Both leaders acknowledged the shortcomings of the current system. Long waiting times, overcrowding, congestion and a lack of modern facilities were highlighted as pressing issues.

!Nawases-Taeyele stressed the importance of partnership: “No single institution can deliver this transformation alone. Smart partnership and collaboration are the only way we can succeed – across ministries, agencies and all levels of government.”

Larandja agreed, saying: “We recognise the challenges that exist today. However, we also see these challenges as opportunities for collaboration and action between all key stakeholders."

!Nawases-Taeyele called for a new central bus station, better integration of land-use planning with transport, and even exploring the future role of commuter trains. Larandja spoke of expanding reliable bus routes and introducing modern systems such as cashless ticketing and real-time passenger information.

“Public transport is the heartbeat of our city,” Larandja said. “If it fails, our economy slows, our children arrive late to school, and our workers lose productivity. But when it works, it connects people to opportunity, builds confidence in the city, and contributes to growth and sustainability.”

!Nawases-Taeyele framed public transport as a basic right. “Public transport is not a privilege – it is a right and a necessity. By building systems that work for the commuter, we will not only build systems that support the economy, but also the environment and the dignity of our people.”