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Leroy Dzenga Features Reporter
With a fleet comprising 18 commuter omnibuses, Hardlife Chipika has his feet firm in public transportation. His company, Pamushana Africa’s way of operation is a deviation from how other transport operators function without paperwork.

Far from the rowdy way kombis have grown to be known, they provide a distinct service.
“Our crew has uniforms with named badges, this allows easy identification for compliments or complaints from passengers,” said Chipika.

His forty-plus employees receive consistent training which improves the way they approach passengers.
“Our staff members attend customer services trainings twice a year, this together with our contracts which are binding on customer care, are the reasons why we are preferred by the public,” said Chipika.

Chipika believes there is need for the public sector to work in unison with the private sector in solving the country’s transport problems.

“My plea to the new administration is that if they should bring back the public transport system, they should allow us to complement the system to benefit the people,” said Chipika.

Their biggest operational challenges at the moment are parking bays and registration.
“We are compliant with every regulatory requirement, we negotiated with the Harare City Council for our own designated parking space which we got,” said Chipika.

Life would be easier for us if all the paperwork would be accessible from the same place.
Hopping from one office to the other is strenuous.”

The dedicated business approach is a result of the professional level of operation which is rare in most kombi companies.
Pamushana Africa transport has won the hearts of many in Warren Park and the reception has inspired the operator to set sights on the regional market.

From next year, they will be venturing into cross boarder routes.
If they maintain their customer centred operation, it will not be surprising to see them becoming a market leader in that space as well.

Pamushana Africa transport is a subsidiary of Pamushana Holdings, which houses other two divisions focusing on horticulture through Pamushana Fresh Farm Produce and security which is handled by Crime Stoppers.

Chipika is the chief executive officer of the holding company, delegating the day-to-day running to selected chief operating officers.

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