MEC TSOTSO TLHAPI ENGAGES SCHOLAR TRANSPORT OPERATORS IN NGAKA MODIRI MOLEMA DISTRICT

Mahikeng – The MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Mme Tsotso Tlhapi, today engaged Scholar Transport Operators in Mahikeng, Ngaka Modiri Molema District.
The engagement session, facilitated by the Head of Department, Dr Hans Kekana, sought to address persistent challenges relating to outstanding payments, conditions of buses, operating licences and compliance.

Scholar Transport Operators raised several concerns including delayed payments, rising fuel costs, poor road conditions, operating permit challenges and overloading due to limited bus allocations.
In response, the Head of Department clarified that delayed payments are largely caused by incorrect documentation, change of banking details, occurance forms not signed in full , non compliant Central Supplier Database (CDS) and incorrect kilometres claimed. He emphasised that it is the contractor’s responsibility to comply with contractual obligations. Where overpayment occurred, operators are required to reimburse the Department, and where underpayment occurred, the Department will reimburse operators after verification.

On the plea for rate increases due to escalating fuel costs, the Department noted the concern and indicated that negotiations are underway, with feedback to be communicated in due course. The issue of poor internal roads affecting operations will be escalated to the Department of Public Works and Roads and the respective municipalities.
In her remarks, MEC Tlhapi emphasised that scholar transport plays a vital role in ensuring access to education.

“Scholar transport is not just a business, it is about the future of our children. Non-compliance is non-negotiable. All scholar transport vehicles must be properly permitted and roadworthy as regulated by the law. Those that are not complying, their buses will be impounded as learner safety cannot be compromised. We will also come up with a mechanism to monitor scholar transport in the province. We need your services but learner safety comes first. Let us work together to ensure safe, reliable transport for our learners,” said MEC Tlhapi.
A follow-up engagement will be convened to provide feedback on outstanding matters.