Zimbabwean bus driver wins UK award after delivering baby on Glasgow bus

Pummy Hadebe, a McGill's bus driver in Glasgow, helped a pregnant passenger give birth on her bus when paramedics could not arrive in time
The Zimbabwean driver used a towel from her own bag to keep the newborn warm while waiting for the ambulance to reach the scene
Pummy's calm and courageous response caught the attention of a national panel of judges who recognised her with a major transport industry honour

Zimbabwean driver in Scotland wins top UK award after baby born on her bus — Pummy helped deliver a baby. Image: Sithule N Tshuma
Source: Facebook

A Zimbabwean bus driver working in Scotland has been celebrated across the UK after stepping in to deliver a baby on board her bus when there was no time to wait for medical help to arrive.

Pummy Hadebe, who drives for McGill's in Glasgow, was on a routine route when she noticed unusual sounds coming from the back of her bus. She pulled over to check and found a pregnant woman in the final stages of labour, travelling to hospital with her partner and in severe pain.

Pummy takes charge when seconds count

Pummy immediately radioed McGill's traffic control and called the emergency services. It became clear very quickly that paramedics would not make it in time. Rather than wait, she calmly guided the mother through the delivery herself, ensuring the baby arrived safely on board.

Once the newborn was delivered, Pummy placed the infant on the mother's stomach and reached into her own bag for a towel, using it to keep the baby warm until the ambulance arrived at the scene.

A frontline worker honoured at national level

The extraordinary moment did not go unnoticed. Pummy was later named Frontline Employee of the Year at the UK National Transport Awards, a prestigious ceremony that recognises exceptional contributions to public transport across Britain.

For a driver whose job is to navigate Glasgow's streets, the honour reflects something far beyond the ordinary. Her composure in a high-pressure situation and her instinct to act drew widespread admiration after the story gained traction on social media.

For many people who came across Pummy's story, it served as a powerful reminder that everyday workers can rise to extraordinary occasions when the moment calls for it.

Read the Tuko story here.

Zimbabwean bus driver wins UK award after delivering baby on Glasgow bus

Pummy takes charge when seconds count

A frontline worker honoured at national level

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