HARARE – The City of Harare is embarking on an ambitious journey to revamp its urban transport network by eliminating commuter omnibuses (kombis) within the next three years and enforcing an immediate ban on pirate taxis, locally known as mishikashika.
The directive, embedded in the city’s newly adopted Harare Master Plan (2025–2045), aims to modernise public transport, reduce congestion, and improve road safety across Zimbabwe’s capital. The plan marks a significant shift in urban planning, seeking to move away from informal transport systems that currently dominate the city.
Under Policy 109, kombis will be gradually removed from Harare roads over three years, while Policy 110 enforces the immediate removal of unregistered pirate taxis. The city has blamed both for contributing to traffic chaos, poor road behaviour, and rising urban accident rates.
Although the government had once suspended kombi operations during the COVID-19 pandemic, they were later allowed to return. This time, however, city authorities appear determined to see through a long-term shift.
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Concerns Over Public Transport Alternatives
With nearly half of Harare’s population relying on kombis, buses, or pirate taxis for daily commuting, the announcement has sparked serious concerns over the capacity of the city’s transport infrastructure to absorb displaced passengers.
Public transport advocates and stakeholders have urged the Harare City Council to ensure sufficient and reliable alternatives are in place before the phase-out begins.
Frederick Maguramhinga, president of the Zimbabwe Union for Drivers and Conductors (ZUDAC), cautioned against a hasty implementation of the plan.
“If the master plan is approached aggressively, without proper stakeholder engagement, we risk creating long-term problems for commuters and operators,” he warned.
Maguramhinga added that kombis remain a staple in many developing cities due to their flexibility and affordability, arguing that buses alone cannot meet the city’s complex transport needs.
“People cannot wait five hours just to travel five kilometres into town,” he said.
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Calls for Infrastructure Improvements in harare
Passengers Association of Zimbabwe (PAZ) president Tafadzwa Goliath echoed the concerns, pointing to the city’s existing infrastructure gaps.
“The idea of improving transportation is commendable, but banning kombis and pirate taxis without improving our roads, public toilets, and bus ranks is premature,” Goliath said.
He emphasised the need for a well-rounded strategy that includes infrastructure upgrades, efficient scheduling, and affordable transport services.
Additional Transport Reforms Introduced
The master plan extends beyond just banning kombis and pirate taxis. It also outlines new requirements for ride-hailing platforms, including the mandatory submission of GPS telemetry data and monthly rider reports to Harare’s Department of Urban Planning. Operators failing to comply risk being banned.
Furthermore, three-wheeled taxis have been prohibited, and the city intends to advocate for the reinstatement of vehicle licensing at the municipal level. The plan also proposes allocating Zimbabwe National Road Administration (Zinara) funds to the city based on vehicle registration figures, aiming to channel more resources into road maintenance.
Combating Congestion and Modernising City Ranks
City authorities admit that Harare’s current bus terminus system is overwhelmed. Many operators now park around existing ranks, blocking traffic and exacerbating congestion.
“Multiple entry and exit points in some ranks make it difficult to control vehicle flow,” reads part of the master plan.
The document also identifies a lack of designated drop-off zones and poor signage, which further complicates traffic management.
Embracing Non-Motorised Transport
A key part of the long-term vision is to promote non-motorised transport such as cycling and walking. However, the master plan acknowledges cultural resistance.
“There is a stigma around walking and cycling, often associated with poverty,” the report states.
To address this, the city aims to invest in cycle lanes, pedestrian walkways, and policies that encourage active commuting, even among those who can afford motor vehicles.
From Deregulation to Reform
Harare’s current kombi-dominated transport culture stems from the partial deregulation of public transport in 1993, under the Economic Structural Adjustment Programme (ESAP). This allowed privately-owned kombis to compete with state-run ZUPCO buses. The master plan represents a reversal of that policy in a bid to establish a more regulated, modern system.
The proposed ban on kombis and pirate taxis represents one of Harare’s most significant urban transport reforms in decades. While the vision of a safer, more organised transport system is welcome, success will depend on realistic implementation, strong public engagement, and investment in infrastructure. The next few years will determine whether the city can truly transform how its residents move.
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