BLOEMFONTEIN – The Free State scholar transport operators are back on the road to transport learners after an abrupt stoppage over non-payment by the Department of Education. The more than 150 operators resumed on Tuesday 14 April transporting about 10 000 learners to different schools in the province.
They return following an undertaking by Adv. Tsoarelo Malakoane, head of the department, that payment will be made on Friday 17 April. This was made on Monday after a meeting with representatives of scholar transport.
Malakoane said a new rate was discussed in line with mounting global pressures and rising fuel costs, adding: “Their contract was duly revised.”
“This represents delayed service delivery, not a consolation, and for that we really apologise,” said Malakoane. He said the key discussions included issues around operating permits, routes, and overloading. “The Free State Department of Education would like to thank these operators for their interest in and dedication to education,” said Malakoane. He conceded the impasse negatively impacted learners, who were left stranded during the stay-away by operators.
“We would like to apologise to our parents and learners who were negatively affected by this, especially those in our rural areas,” said Malakoane.
The department received backlash, with the DA in the province leading the charge over the ongoing failure to resolve contractual disputes and pay transport operators. Jafta Mokoena, the DA’s spokesperson for education, blames this on inadequate budget allocation by the department. “The DA has repeatedly warned, including during the recent adjustment budget debates, that the department’s budget allocation is inadequate and unsustainable. The current situation confirms these concerns and raises serious questions about financial mismanagement. We would not be surprised if more service providers resort to legal action as the department continues to fail in meeting its obligations,” said Mokoena.
He pointed out that the impact was far-reaching. “This also directly impacts and violates learners’ rights to basic education. The impact is most severe on learners from rural and farming communities, where local schools have been shut down, and transport is the only means of accessing education. Denying these learners transport is effectively denying them an education, condemning them to a future of poverty and limited opportunity,” said Mokoena.
