Master of Business Administration (MBA) graduate, Thabane Khubone, is drawing on his academic and professional expertise to explore sustainable transport solutions that support the modernisation of public infrastructure and improved environmental outcomes in KwaZulu-Natal.
Khubone’s research, titled: ‘Evaluating the Potential of Electric Buses in eThekwini Municipality’s KwaZulu-Natal Public Transport Network’, investigates the feasibility of transitioning from diesel-powered buses to electric alternatives within the eThekwini public transport system.
“There is an urgent need to rethink how we move people in our cities. Public transport must become more efficient, environmentally responsible and responsive to the needs of communities,” said Khubone.
The qualitative study examined technical, economic, environmental and policy dimensions of electrifying bus fleets. The work drew insights from transport officials, fleet managers, policy experts and commuters.
Findings confirmed the environmental advantages of electric buses, particularly in the light of reduced emissions and improved urban air quality. The findings also highlighted significant implementation challenges, including high upfront capital costs, limited charging infrastructure and battery performance constraints in Durban’s humid and hilly landscape.
The study further noted that although long-term operational savings are possible, broader systemic issues such as South Africa’s energy mix and fragmented policy environment remain key barriers to large-scale adoption.
“Electric buses are a viable solution, but implementation must be carefully planned and context-specific,” explained Khubone. “We need co-ordinated investment, supportive policy frameworks and a phased transition approach.”
Currently serving as a Senior Civil Engineering Technologist, Khubone leads road infrastructure projects valued at over R56 million, a position he feels has broadened his perspective beyond just technical know-how. He says the motivation to pursue an MBA stemmed from his desire to contribute meaningfully to South Africa’s sustainable development agenda. “We are at critical crossroads as a country, grappling with crumbling infrastructure, climate commitments and the urgent need to modernise our cities. I wanted to be one of the professionals who could help chart that path,” he said.
Khubone said the MBA undertaken at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) had changed his approach to tackling problems and equipped him to think strategically. It also positioned him to engage at the level of deputy directors, executive directors, and political principals, speaking their language, understanding their constraints and presenting evidence-based proposals that resonated.
He also believes the qualification will open doors to senior management and executive leadership roles in the public sector and ultimately allow him to contribute at a policy and planning level to the transformation of South African cities.
His research also explains community realities by incorporating commuter perspectives, underscoring the everyday impact of transport systems on working-class residents who rely heavily on public transport.
Despite the demands of balancing full-time work and postgraduate study, Khubone describes the journey as transformative. “There were many late nights and sacrifices, but the journey has been worth it. This qualification has strengthened my ability to contribute to solutions that matter,” he reflected.
He thanked his family for being his anchor, especially his wife, Mrs Fezeka Khubone, who he said had been his unwavering support through every demanding season of his career and studies.
Khubone remains committed to advancing sustainable infrastructure and supporting the transition toward greener, more inclusive transport systems.