EASTERN CAPE – The Eastern Cape Department of Education says it is hopeful that schooling will return to normal after more than 12,000 learners were absent yesterday due to disruptions linked to scholar transport.
According to the department, about 107 schools in the Buffalo City Education District were severely affected by the Eastern Cape Santaco protest, with 12,388 learners unable to attend school after transport services were disrupted, leaving many stranded at designated pickup points.
Some educators also reported late for duty after making alternative travel arrangements.
“We are working with the BCM district to ensure the lost time is recovered for all affected grades. Circuit managers will manage the implementation of all these lesson plans across the district,” said Head of Department Sharon Maasdorp.
According to the department, 62 of the affected schools are primary schools and 44 are high schools. In one instance, a secondary school was able to partially assist by transporting 15 out of 79 learners.
The department said it is continuing to monitor the situation with the hope that “things will be back to normal.”
Meanwhile, the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) in the Eastern Cape said the disruptions follow the withdrawal of scholar transport services by operators over unpaid fees by the provincial government.
“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notes with grave concern the renewed disruptions to scholar transport services, following reports that operators have withdrawn services due to persistent non-payment by the provincial government,” the party said, warning that the situation threatens learners’ access to education.
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