EASTERN CAPE – The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) in the Eastern Cape says the withdrawal of scholar transport services by operators over unpaid fees is threatening learners’ access to education and could trigger widespread disruption.
In a statement issued today, the party said operators had halted services due to persistent non-payment by the provincial government, warning that ongoing disputes are now directly affecting learners.
“The EFF notes with grave concern the renewed disruptions to scholar transport services, following reports that operators have withdrawn services due to persistent non-payment by the provincial government,” the statement read.
The party stressed that disputes between government and service providers must not compromise learners’ constitutional right to basic education.
It further argued that the crisis is the result of “years of administrative failure, budgetary mismanagement and lack of coordination” between the provincial departments responsible for transport and education.
The EFF also pointed to a ruling by the Makhanda High Court on 17 December 2024, which declared the government’s failure to provide adequate scholar transport unconstitutional and ordered immediate corrective action.
Despite this, the party said the system remains fragile.
Among its proposals, the EFF has called for scholar transport funds to be allocated directly to schools, alongside the introduction of digital systems to improve data management and oversight.
The party also demanded that the MECs for transport and education publicly account for all outstanding payments owed to operators and urgently settle these debts to prevent further disruptions.
It emphasised that scholar transport is a critical enabler of the right to basic education, as guaranteed under Section 29(1) of the Constitution.
Meanwhile, the Eastern Cape Department of Education has warned of a possible scholar transport protest that could further disrupt schooling.
Head of Department Sharon Maasdorp cautioned principals, parents and learners to prepare for potential interruptions today, urging school management teams and governing bodies to remain alert and exercise discretion.
Parents were advised to assess the situation before sending children to school, while the department said it would work with other government entities to monitor developments and safeguard learners.
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