Despite a few minor challenges, the Eastern Cape scholar transport programme was re-introduced successfully on Monday, 18 July 2011 with 98.35% of learners confirmed to have reached their schools safely and on time.
Out of 56 000 approved learners, only 923 were not transported, which translates to 1.65% of the total figure.
“These minor challenges have been channelled to One Future Development 46, which is a Section 21 company established by the Eastern Cape Bus and Taxi Business Chamber to coordinate scholar transportation,” said Mr Linda Salie, the Acting Head of Department of Transport.
The department’s negotiated contract with the company was done in terms of Section 17 of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, National Treasury Regulations 16A6.4, Section 41 (1) (b) and Section 41 (2) of the National Land Transport Act (Act 5 of 2009).
Another challenge that was experienced was that there were more learners at pick up points than there were supposed to be, but the Department of Education (DOE) has been approached to deal with this matter urgently.
A list of approved learners to benefit from the programme will be provided to the scholar transport operators by Friday this week, including their routes and pick up points.
In an effort to avert challenges, Transport, Roads and Public Works MEC Thandiswa Marawu today instructed the deployment of all senior managers of the Department of Transport to various routes and pick up points to monitor the operations of scholar transport, especially at certain identified areas, which include the following:
- Dutywa DOE District:
- Gwebityala SS (84 scholars, 1 route)
- Fort Beaufort DOE District:
- Eyabantu Senior Secondary School - No services (14 scholars on two routes not transported)
- Kulile JS – (99 scholars, 1 route)
- Uitenhage DOE District:
- AB Bukani PS - No services (1 route, 4 pick-up points, 56 scholars not transported)
- Samkelwe HS - No Services (2 routes with 8 and 2 pick-up points, 121 scholars not transported)
- Uitvlucht PS - No Services (1 route, 4 pick-up points, 12 scholars not transported)
- Grahamstown:
- CM Vellem PS -No Services (1 route, 7 pick-up points, 14 scholars not transported)
- Graaff Reinet:
- Gilbert Xuza - No services (24 learners, 1 route)
- Nojoli - No services (25 learners, 1 route)
- Nonzwakazi - No services (18 learners, 1 route)
- St Theresa - No services (200 learners, 1 route)
- WG Olivier - No services (203 learners, 1 route)
- William Oates - No services (211 learners, 1 route)
The benefiting schools were identified by the Department of Education. The department will also make use of Local Municipalities’ Community Development Workers, School Governing Bodies and Ward Councillors to assist with the monitoring of the service.
Since yesterday, our Customer Care Centre has received approximately 30 enquiries relating to the Scholar Transport Programme and those interest to know more about the programme or schools identified to benefit can call our toll free number 0800 644 644.
Public Transport Inspectors and traffic officers will conduct routine checks of scholar transport vehicles in order to ensure that:
- the operators have current Operating Licences
- the Drivers have Public Drivers Permits
- vehicles have valid Certificates of Fitness
- operators have Public Passenger Liability Cover, which is very important.
Media enquiries:
Ncedo Kumbaca
Director: Communications
Cell: 082 562 6023
Zamile Kupe
Media Liaison Officer
Cell: 082 726 5592
Source: Eastern Cape Department of Transport
