The department is responsible for providing learner transport traveling more than 5km to access schools in rural areas.

The service has been identified as key to improving travel time and ensuring the safety of learners.

MEC Lehari says from the R300 million allocation, about R100 million will cover January, February and March’s 2022 outstanding debts.

According to information, during the 2021/22 financial year the department budget allocation for learners transport was R292 million, reportedly not enough to pay service providers for the entire year.

Departmental spokesperson Boitshoko Moremi says despite experiencing challenges in the past, the service has been continuous.

Moremi says in the past two years the budget has been reduced with more than 100 million rand.

OFM News/Joba Matsheng