DA WC calls on SANTACO to put an end to violence against scholar transport

16 February 2023

Attention broadcasters: English audio clip attached

The DA in the Western Cape requests that SANTACO immediately puts an end to the outrageous behaviour against children and scholar transport. We further call on the Scholar Transport Association to report any incidents of extortion, violence or intimidation to the SAPS so that those responsible for violating children’s constitutional rights are rightfully dealt with.

Learners who use scholar transport to travel to school were denied their right to access education this week after threats of violence and intimidation were made against their transport drivers. This has mongered fear amongst the drivers leading them to not picking up learners from their homes to school.

Children's safety has previously been put at risk when elements in the minibus taxi industry forcefully removed learners from their school transport. All this happens due to the minibus-taxi industry's refusal to follow the law.

MPP Ricardo Mackenzie says, “This violent and thuggish conduct is completely unacceptable. We cannot allow the minibus taxi industry to carry on in this manner as though there is no law and order. There are laws that everyone must abide by in the Western Cape, including SANTACO. We strongly condemn the threats of violence and intimidation conducted.

Furthermore, commuters are getting increasingly frustrated at elements in the taxi industry that treat them with disdain, disgust and ultimately has no regard for human life. Those elements need to treat commuters with respect as it could be only a matter of time until they retaliate.”

Issued by Ricardo Mackenzie, DA Western Cape Spokesperson on Transport, 16 February 2023