Concern over Deplorable Conditions of Scholar Transport Buses

On Tuesday, 08 October 2024 the North West Provincial Legislature Portfolio Committee on Community Safety & Transport Management led by Hon Freddy Sonakile expressed its concern over deplorable conditions of scholar transport buses at Resolofetse and Botoka Secondary Schools in Ikageng (Sarafina).

This was during the unannounced oversight visit that the committee conducted as part of the Oversight Week that the committee is currently embarking on, taking place from 08 – 11 October 2024 in the Dr. Kenneth Kaunda district.

The aim of the committee was to assess the condition of buses used to transport learners at various schools.

The Committee was shocked to discover amongst others buses without license discs transporting children, vehicles in appalling conditions with missing seats, emergency exits covered with steel instead of glass, overloading, and frequent instances of children arriving late at school.

“It is disheartening and worrying to find that learners lives are at risk, in danger and are subjected to such demeaning conditions of buses, without any accountability or feasible intervention from the department,” said Hon Sonakile.

The committee found that at Resolofetse Secondary School, an overloaded bus arrived with a damaged tyre to drop off learners. Some buses were found to be transporting learners from multiple schools per load, forcing children to walk unsupervised to their respective schools after being dropped off at a central location near Resolofetse.

Engagements with various stakeholders in the area revealed that these alarming issues occur daily. It also came to the Committee’s attention that some scholar transport providers are contracted for multiple routes but are using a single bus to cover all of them.
The Committee concluded its oversight with an unannounced visit to the District Offices of the Department of Education in Potchefstroom (Learner Transport Division) to seek information on these challenges, particularly in the JB Marks District.

A detailed report on all schools in the district facing challenges with scholar transport was requested by the Committee.

“This oversight visit was an eye-opener for the Committee, underscoring concerns frequently reported by parents. We are committed to ensuring that the Department removes underperforming transport providers and fulfills its contractual obligations by paying valid claims on time,” said Hon Sonakile.

Over the coming days, the Committee will continue conducting unannounced visits to various schools utilizing scholar transport services within the district.

Ends