Informanté Speed recently took the popular Inyathi mini-bus from CAM Namibia for a test-drive. The word Inyathi means ‘buffalo’ in Zulu and the vehicle is China Auto Manufacture’s answer to providing the driver with a clear sense of where they’re headed in life, with the right set of wheels.
The Inyathi driver cannot but feel in control once mounted high behind the steering wheel. Any jitters from lack of experience with mini-bus sized vehicles are quickly dispelled by the simple sedan-type manual gear system and familiar controls. However the length of the vehicle may take the rookie some time to get used to, especially when trying to fit into a tight parking space. Fortunately visibility is good and the Inyathi is very easily maneuvered, so a little patience generally saves the day.

This fourteen-seater has the room and capacity to take friends and family along for the ride and has already found popularity amongst local transport business people for its simple straight-forward honest-to-goodness approach to getting the job done. The job being that of transporting people and it shoulders that weight admirably.
Its XG 491 Q-ME engine is able to push out 76k at 4600 revolutions per minute and 193k at 2200 rpm of torque. Admittedly the Inyathi does not always respond immediately to the driver’s prod, however with a little coaxing Inyathi demonstrates its absolute appropriateness to and comfort in the heat of rush-hour city traffic. The standard power-steering and its braking system, featuring front discs and drum-brakes in the rear, help build confidence. Much thought and attention has been given to an undisturbed driving experience and this is evidenced in the protective guard strategically placed behind the driver’s seat, separating potentially unruly passengers from the front cabin.
The front-mounted heater will keep the driver safe from the cold, while the easily operated radio will ensure that there is always something to listen to. A big storage compartment between the driver and front passenger, along with door-mounted slots and a multi-purpose glove box provide enough space to store miscellaneous items.
While this buffalo definitely doesn’t come wearing a tutu, safety has not been neglected as the Inyathi is equipped with an on-board fire-extinguisher as well as glass-breaking implements for use in case of emergency to allow passengers to get out via the rear window. Also in the roof another emergency exit window lets in the sunlight. The rear seating arrangement is spacious and airy allowing enough space for passengers to enjoy the ride without getting leg cramps.
The Inyathi retails at CAM Namibia on Hosea Kutako avenue in the capital city from around N$170 000.