18 April 2006
The Gauteng Department of Education wants to put it on record that today was
one of the days not to be repeated, where the education of an African child was
being compromised by putting profit before social responsibility.
We would, however, like to emphasise that despite claims that 66 000
learners were affected; the truth is that less than 30 000 learners in Gauteng
need transport on a daily basis. We wish to apologise to the learners and
communities affected by this unnecessary action.
The Department would like to bring it to the attention of the Gauteng
citizens that discussions were held with individual contractors who have
indicated that tomorrow, 19 April 2006, they will be able to transport learners
to schools.
This follows the Head of the Department authorising authentic claims by
individual contractors. We want to reiterate that the Gauteng Department of
Education does not have any contractual agreement with the South African Bus
Operators Association and that all unauthentic claims will not be settled now
but further looked into.
Enquiries:
Mbela Phetlhe
Cell: 083 700 1076
Tel: (011) 355 0880
Issued by: Department of Education, Gauteng Provincial Government
18 April 2006
Source: SAPA
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