Note to Editors: Please find attached English and Sesotho soundbites by Jafta Mokoena MPL and Afrikaans soundbite by Werner Pretorius MPL.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) calls on the MEC for Education, Dr Maboya, to immediately restore scholar transport across the Free State Province. The ongoing failure to resolve contractual disputes and pay transport operators has driven the system into crisis, with devastating consequences for learners.
More than 10 000 learners were unable to attend school on the first day of the second term due to the collapse of scholar transport services. Transport operators, who have not received any payment since January, are now expected to wait yet another month. This is not only unacceptable, but directly impacts and violates learners’ rights to basic education.
The DA has repeatedly warned, including during the recent adjustment budget debates, that the Department’s budget allocation is inadequate and unsustainable. The current situation confirms these concerns and raises serious questions about financial mismanagement. We would not be surprised if more service providers resort to legal action as the Department continues to fail in meeting its obligations.
The impact is most severe on learners from rural and farming communities, where local schools have been shut down, and transport is the only means of accessing education. Denying these learners transport is effectively denying them an education, condemning them to a future of poverty and limited opportunity.
The DA has submitted formal questions and will escalate this matter with urgency. We will continue to apply pressure until the Department acts decisively. The people of the Free State deserve better, and learners cannot continue to suffer under an uncaring and failing ANC-led government.