On Monday (5/5), scholar transport operators halted services and marched to the department’s headquarters in Mahikeng to demand overdue payments. 

The disruption left thousands of learners stranded across the province. Departmental officials have said the payment delays were caused by a system error. 

However, Head of Department Dr Hans Kekana has since confirmed that the technical glitch has been resolved. “Payments will begin from Tuesday, with the final batch expected by Friday.”

North West Legislature Portfolio Committee on Community Safety and Transport Management Chairperson and DA MPL Freddy Sonakile expressed concern about the impact of the disruption on learners. “This disruption directly infringes on learners’ constitutional right to education.

‘Actively addressing scholar transport challenges since last year’

“(The department) has confirmed that it engaged in a full-day, tense meeting yesterday with service providers in Ngaka Modiri Molema District to address the issue. The department has acknowledged the urgency and is committed to clearing all outstanding payments by Friday,” he said.

The committee has requested Kekana to submit daily proof of payments after 14:00 to verify that disbursements are being processed timeously, added Sonakile. The committee has been actively addressing scholar transport challenges since last year.

Several key resolutions adopted by the legislature are currently being implemented to ensure long-term solutions: 

1. Invoice tracking system

The department adopted the Rea Patala invoice tracking system on 1 April, following a resolution by the committee. The National Public Works ICT Unit provided training to departmental staff on the system, which is designed to ensure that invoices are processed efficiently and in accordance with legal standards.

2. Submission of a business case on funding shortfalls

A formal business case has been completed and will be presented to the Provincial Treasury. Despite the allocation of R85 million for scholar transport in the current financial year, there is still a funding shortfall of approximately R150 million. 

Addressing this gap is seen as crucial to avoiding similar crises in the future.

3. Provincial scholar transport summit

Plans are underway to host a provincial scholar transport summit later this year. The summit will bring together key stakeholders – including service providers, the Department of Education, school principals, SGBs, Provincial Treasury, and the Portfolio Committee – to establish a comprehensive policy. 

The objective is to clearly define roles, improve monitoring mechanisms, and ensure accountability in the provision of scholar transport.

Sonakile vowed the committee would monitor the situation closely. If payments are not finalised by Friday, they will advocate for strong consequence management measures against those responsible for delays.

OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi mvh