History
Situated in eMalahleni, formerly Witbank, as well as a depot in Pretoria, Pal specializes in transporting Passengers to and from work – in line with its location at the hub of coal and gold mining, on the Maputo corridor – and Scholars to and from school. The company also provides charter services utilizing semi-luxury buses.
eMalahleni-based Pal Bus Services evidently has a firm grasp on what its customers like, as well as what it takes to drive a thriving business in South Africa’s evolving landscape.
Attesting to the fact that this third generation family business has tapped into a vein of success is its place in the finals of the prestigious Africa SMME Awards in the service sector category, following its placing as runner up in the event in 2013. The awards, which recognize the key role SMMEs play in fostering opportunities and prosperity in Africa, are run by the Africagrowth Institute in conjunction with private enterprise and SMME support agencies.
Its network spans SA, as well as Lesotho, Mozambique and Zimbabwe. Dirt roads make up about one-fifth of Pal’s routes. It offers 24 hour service to its customers, all year round, and is justifiably proud of the fact that it has had no casualties. A zero tolerance stance on reckless driving and unprofessional behavior underpins Pal’s unblemished safety record.
The company was established three decades ago by the grandfather and father of present owner George Didloff, who runs the company in partnership with wife and financial manager Sonya Didloff. A qualified diesel mechanic, George takes care of nuts and bolts workshop business, complemented by Sonya’s role in the office. Both George and Sonya are qualified teachers, who met at college.
The “Pal” derives from the initials of grandfather Petrus Albertus Loggerenberg.
Pal was one of the first operators to buy VW buses when the “people’s car” marque entered the commercial vehicle segment in SA. The company is gradually standardizing on the VW 17.210 4×2 6-speed manual transmission chassis from MAN Truck & Bus, with Busco’s Predator body, which Pal favors for its semi-luxury interior. VWs will also be the choice as vehicles are added to service business growth.
“Pal management keeps up to date with market trends, following a natural instinct to improve the comfort of passengers.” With the financial status of its commuters in mind, Pal has tailored its vehicles to provide a semi-luxury solution.
Pal is also implementing safety, health, environment and quality management. Pal aims to provide a professional, reliable service – with a semi-luxury edge to ensure satisfied commuters.
Get in touch
We at Pal are here to serve our customers. That’s why we offer free consultations to walk you through your needs, the scope of your goals, and your budget.
Book an appointment ▸
The Faces of Pal
Owner
George Didloff
I see myself as multi skilled: pedagogue, qualified diesel mechanic, and commercial pilot. I manage the company, believing that I borrow the company from my two sons, the future generation. I lead responsibly, thinking of the future and not my personal gain.
The success of the business is my ability to manage its growth and fleet size according to a business that is manageable by competent managers. I assure this by maintaining service excellence and ensures that growth do not compromise our service.
I strongly believe in promoting growth in individuals through education, training and development. This is done by knowledge transfer between me as the owner, management and employees.
My negotiating skills enabled me to create sustainable employment to previous disadvantaged and disabled South Africans.
I am proud of the fact that our Company was awarded Runner up for SMME Africa Business of the Year 2013. Pal Bus Services was a finalist for Old Mutual Business of the Year 2008.
MANAGER
Shane Didloff
I am the fourth generation involved in managing our company with a vision for the future, in a changing South Africa.
I am part of a dedicated team and take pride in all our achievements.
financial manager
Sonya Didloff
My experience, have equipped me with a multitude of skills, and I would like to continue my growth. Throughout my career I have demonstrated to my employers an exceptional facility for meeting organizational objectives and demands.
I am actively involved in the family business Pal Passenger Bus Services (BEE Level 2) and Pal and Sons Bus Services. (BEE Level 2). Pal and Sons Bus Services was awarded the 2nd runner up for the 2007 Africa SMME Awards: Service Sector by Africa Growth Research and Xstata. Throughout my career I have demonstrated for my employers an exceptional facility for meeting organizational objectives and demands.