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Escalating Scholar Transport Conflict

Dear Editor

It is deeply concerning to learn of reports of taxi operators actively barring private scholar transport operators from dropping children off at schools, specifically in the Mthatha area.

These actions are not only disruptive and deeply traumatizing for the children involved but also unlawful.

Taxi operators have no legal authority to interfere with other operators or dictate who is allowed to transport learners. Such behaviour undermines parents’ rights to choose safe and reliable transport for their children.

The safety and education of our children must come first. While the taxi industry plays an important role in the transport sector, it cannot justify actions that place additional strain on parents and disrupt learners’ ability to attend school on time.

Blocking private scholar transport does nothing to address the real challenges parents face. Instead, it exacerbates them.

We call on Transport MEC, Xolile Nqatha, and the Department of Transport to urgently intervene to protect parents, children, and legitimate private transport operators from intimidation and obstruction by taxi associations. It is the government’s duty to ensure that all transport operators can function freely, provided they comply with the law.

Furthermore, we urge the Department of Transport to ensure that all vehicles, whether part of the official scholar transport programme or private services, are thoroughly tested for roadworthiness and comply with the necessary licensing requirements.

Ensuring the safety of our children on their way to and from school should be a shared priority for all stakeholders.

The allegations of unroadworthy vehicles and poor regulation in scholar transport, whether by taxis or vans, must be urgently addressed. Parents deserve peace of mind knowing their children are in safe hands.

We cannot allow this issue to spiral into a prolonged conflict that disrupts the school year. We urge SANTACO to act swiftly on its commitment to investigate the allegations against its members and ensure that rogue actions are addressed decisively.

The right to education is enshrined in our Constitution, and no child should ever be denied access to school because of unnecessary conflicts in the transport sector. We stand with parents and learners in demanding a fair, safe, and reliable scholar transport system.

Regards

Horatio Hendricks MPL
DA Shadow MEC for Education

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