Transport MEC, Weziwe Tikana-Gxotiwe, believes that a proper
review of two audit reports on the functioning of learner transport in the
province ahead of the 2022 school year this week is key to understanding
challenges and improving the system.
The two audit reports were conducted independently by two
audit firms, Ernst and Young and another by the Auditor General, respectively.
Both reports found instances of over and under payments to operators. This was
largely due to insufficient internal controls.
Ensuring the smooth
running of the Scholar Transport Programme for the 2022 school year was the
only item on the agenda, as Tikana-Gxotiwe and departmental senior managers led
by HOD, Mzi Mafani, put aside some of their plans for the weekend for meetings
looking into scholar transport. The meetings are aimed at addressing any
challenges facing this all-important programme.
Tikana-Gxotiwe has accordingly directed Mafani to engage the
provincial treasury for an impartial review of the reports and how best to
implement their recommendations.
“The implementation of the recommendations of the reports
cannot and will not be delayed. That is how seriously we are taking them. We
are engaging the treasury for an impartial review and an unapologetic
implementation of the recommendations. If treasury, upon completing their
review, feels a need for a thorough forensic investigation, we will only be
happy to comply,” Tikana-Gxotiwe said.
She added that consequence management will be another way to
deal with individuals found to be at fault for any wrongdoing.
The Eastern Cape Department of Transport has also assured
the people of the province that the learners that have been approved for scholar
transport will be transported come the start of the 2022 school year on
Wednesday, January 19.
