Thousands of learners across Gauteng, including Soshanguve, are unable to attend school due to a province-wide scholar transport crisis. Parents staged protests as transport operators stopped services over unpaid invoices.
A growing scholar transport crisis in Gauteng has left thousands of learners unable to attend school. Operators who run subsidised buses have suspended services after going unpaid for over three months, leaving learners in communities like Soshanguve stranded at home or forced to walk long distances to school.
Strike Over Unpaid Wages Disrupts School Runs
Transport operators report that they have not received payment from the Gauteng Department of Education since November and December of last year. Without funds to cover fuel, vehicle maintenance, and driver wages, providers say they are unable to continue their contracted services.
"We cannot continue transporting learners if we are not being paid. It’s impossible to operate under these conditions," said a representative of one transport provider.
Parents Take to the Streets
In response to the service suspension, parents staged protests on major roads, blocking traffic and demanding immediate action. Many expressed frustration at being left to find alternative, often costly, means to get their children to school.
- Thousands of learners affected across Gauteng.
- Communities like Soshanguve and Khutsong hardest hit.
- Parents demand payment to operators and resumption of services.
- Learners risk losing valuable school time.
Government Response
The Gauteng Education Department says it is actively engaging with transport providers and has promised to pay outstanding invoices. However, operators have stated they will not resume services until full payment is received, prolonging the disruption for learners.
With school terms already underway, education experts warn that prolonged transport disruptions could have long-term impacts on learning outcomes, particularly for learners from low-income communities who rely exclusively on subsidised transport.