Marking a milestone of 50 years in the transport industry, Interstate Bus Lines (IBL) has unveiled an anniversary logo. This was done on Friday, 28 June, at Bloemfontein’s Urth Conference and Lifestyle Centre.
The rebranded logo’s unveiling coincides with a year-long celebration, of which the high point is on 28 April – the date the bus company was founded in 1975.
The founders were Abel Erasmus and Fred Kinnear, who partnered with Dr James Moroka, a co-director, along the way. This paved the way to securing a permit under the Bantu Investment Corporation (BIC).
Erasmus and Kinnear were originally tasked with the duty of investigating the feasibility of bus services in the 1970s. The trio took over a small bus company, formerly owned by the late Jacob Mokgethi. This company operated four buses in Thaba Nchu, on routes allocated to it.
At first it was known as Thaba Nchu Transport; later as Jakaranda – after the Pretoria-based printers of the bus tickets whose name appeared on the back of the tickets. The name Interstate, was later chosen because services expanded and the company began to operate between provinces.
Now firmly rooted in the Free State, with headquarters in Bloemfontein, the bus entity has grown to become a premier transport service provider through its 225 buses, as well as a catalyst for the socio-economic employing of over 600 persons.
George Mokgothu, chairman of the IBL, said the celebration paid homage to the founding directors’ rich legacy of sacrifices in investment and the vision.
“The bus company remains a key role player in the South African transportation industry. One of the key factors of the IBL’s success is taking care of our employees, who in turn extend the culture to clients,” said Mokgothu.
“We invite everyone to come along in celebrating our 50th anniversary.”
He said the new logo represented the aspirations of the current shareholders.
“The logo represents a forward-thinking vision, a constant drive to innovate and improve passenger experiences.”
Vuyo Ondala, stakeholder relations manager, said despite the dire economic situation, the company invests in the community through its projects like the Safa Mangaung League, the Mangaung Netball League and the Botshabelo women’s rugby team.
