Hundreds of pupils in Gauteng, South Africa, who rely on government-funded scholar transport, missed their Life Orientation exam on Monday due to a strike by transport drivers. The drivers, who claim they have not been paid for the past three months, downed tools, leaving the pupils stranded. This has affected pupils from disadvantaged families who depend on the buses to get to and from school.
Among those affected were 653 pupils from Umkhumbane Junior Secondary School in Tshwane. A parent, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the absence of transport on Monday led to their children missing the exam. The parent stated that the learners in grades 8, 9, and 10 were meant to write their first paper of Life Orientation on Monday, but the exam has been postponed to Tuesday when transport is available.
According to Jabulani Khumalo, chairperson of the Gauteng Small Bus Operators Council, the provincial education department owes them an estimated amount of more than R450m. He stated that more than 2,000 vehicles transport pupils throughout the province to different schools. Khumalo said that per month, the invoice is about R150m, and they have not been paid in 90 days.
The non-payment has severe consequences for the transport operators, who are struggling to meet their financial obligations, including paying business suppliers, employees, and creditors. Khumalo stated that suppliers no longer want to give them anything on credit, making it difficult to run a business. He also mentioned that interest accumulates, and when the government eventually pays, the money falls short, affecting their credit scores.
The situation is further complicated by rising fuel prices, particularly diesel, which has almost doubled since February. Khumalo stated that the government has not subsidized them for fuel, adding to the crisis. He also mentioned that some operators are having their assets repossessed, while others are experiencing stress due to the non-payment.
An emergency meeting was held on Monday between the Gauteng Small Bus Operators Council and the Gauteng government to determine a way forward. As a result, Gauteng scholar transport is set to resume operations on Tuesday. Khumalo stated that they had met with the Gauteng department of education, the treasury, and the premier's office to discuss the matter.
The Gauteng department of education has acknowledged receipt of a media enquiry seeking clarity on the reported non-payment and the affected transport providers. However, a response had not yet been received at the time of publication. Gauteng government spokesperson Elijah Mhlanga did not respond to a call to comment on the matter.
Key points
- The Gauteng provincial education department owes transport operators an estimated R450m.
- The non-payment has affected over 2,000 vehicles transporting pupils throughout the province.
- The scholar transport strike has resulted in hundreds of pupils missing their Life Orientation exam.
