Central SA
Some 10,000 Free State learners return to school as transport services resume─── ZENANDE MPAME 11:29 Tue, 14 Apr 2026
Free State learner transport services have resumed, bringing relief to more than 10,000 learners who were left stranded due to a payment dispute.
The Free State department of education confirmed an agreement had been reached after a meeting between education HOD Adv. Tsoarelo Malakoane and learner transport service providers, after operators halted services due to non-payment. The disruption affected mostly rural and farm learners.
Malakoane confirmed payment would be made on Friday (17/4), and a new rate was discussed in line with global pressures and rising fuel costs; their contracts were revised.
The department promised urgent interventions last week when thousands of learners were left stranded on the first day of the second term.
“We are happy to announce learner transport service providers have agreed that they will resume the transportation of learners to and from school,” said Free State education spokesperson Howard Ndaba.
“Going forward, we will strengthen our relationship with service providers through regular engagements each quarter to address challenges proactively.
“We have agreed to review and increase transport rates in the new financial year, while also working closely with law enforcement to ensure full compliance with learner transport regulations.”
Meanwhile, the DA said it had submitted formal questions and would escalate the matter as the impact is most severe on learners from rural and farming communities, where local schools have been shut down. Transport is the only means of accessing education.
The situation stemmed from unresolved contractual disputes and the continued failure to pay transport operators, some of whom have not received payment since January.
“Denying these learners transport is effectively denying them an education, condemning them to a future of poverty and limited opportunity,” said Free State DA education spokesperson Jafta Mokoena.
They’d repeatedly warned, including during the recent adjustment budget debates, that the department’s budget allocation was “inadequate and unsustainable”.
The department reiterated its commitment to ensuring uninterrupted access to education, while rebuilding trust with service providers and communities affected by the disruption.
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