Learners in danger as GDE fails to review and implement scholar transport policy

9 October 2024

Learners in Gauteng continue to be at risk as the Gauteng Department of Education fails to review and implement the scholar transport policy.

This follows a recent scholar transport accident involving 42 learners from Relebogile Secondary School in Carletonville. In this accident, six learners sustained injuries, with two suffering fractures.

In July 2024, the MEC for Education, Matome Chiloane, acknowledged the fundamental flaws in the scholar transport policy and committed to overhauling it. While the DA was encouraged by this move, this incident highlights that there has been no follow-through on this commitment.

The MEC announced that he will be initiating discussions on enhancing scholar transportation safety. However, three months have passed without any update on the policy review.

Currently, learners in Gauteng can be transported to a maximum distance of 15 km one-way, totalling 30 km per day, while some operators service routes significantly shorter than this. The lack of nearby schools necessitates longer travel for many learners, highlighting the urgent need for completing school projects and establishing new schools closer to communities in need.

This also highlights the concern around school admissions, where many learners travel to schools outside their feeder zone areas because their designated feeder zones have high enrolment demand.

The Democratic Alliance (DA) demands that the MEC for Education deliver on its promise to evaluate and implement the scholar transport policy. We will write to the MEC to ascertain when the engagements will be conducted and demand the timelines with regards to the implementation of the policy.

A DA government would resolve the following issues affecting the scholar transport system:

- Inadequate funding: The existing remuneration model of R1.65 per learner per kilometre fails to cover operational costs, forcing operators to seek additional revenue through private hire services.
- Late payments: Delays in payments hinder operators' ability to maintain vehicles, exacerbating safety risks.
- Ageing fleets: Many SMME operators utilise fleets over 20 years old, thus compromising safety and reliability.

Considering the recent accident, we urge MEC Chiloane to provide clear timelines for completing the review of the scholar transport policy. It is crucial that this process advances swiftly and implementation starts to address ongoing issues with scholar transport.

The DA wishes the affected learners a speedy recovery.

The DA will continue advocating for a learner transport policy that ensures safe and reliable learner transport services to benefit our children and protect their right to education.

Issued by Sergio Isa Dos Santos, 9 October 2024