Subsidised scholar transport operators in Gauteng have refused the provincial Education Department’s call to resume services, citing unpaid invoices.
During a meeting on Thursday, officials urged the providers to return to ferrying pupils while the department “works on” resolving outstanding payments. However, the operators say they have not received salaries for over three months.
“It is unreasonable to make that request when you don’t have diesel and funds for other operational costs,” said Sifiso Cele, spokesperson for the Gauteng Small Bus Operators Council (GASBOC).
The strike, which began on Monday, has left thousands of learners across the province stranded. Bongani Ramontja, chairperson of the taxi organisation Soil of Africa, warned of the wider impact.
“This outcome was not unforeseeable. It is the direct and predictable result of poor financial planning. Children cannot be used as collateral damage in such situations,” he said, adding that parents are under severe economic pressure while learners’ education suffers.
Education spokesperson Steve Mabona said the department is actively engaging with the operators to clear outstanding payments and urged them to resume transporting learners in the meantime.