Johannesburg: The Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) has called for calm among stakeholders as it continues discussions with Public Scholar Transport Service Providers and addresses outstanding payment issues. The department is actively engaging with service providers to find a sustainable resolution.

According to South African Government News Agency, the department has acknowledged challenges affecting the province’s Scholar Transport Programme, which have led some service providers to halt operations, impacting learners. Schools have been advised to implement academic recovery and catch-up programmes to mitigate learning disruptions and ensure education continuity.

Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane emphasized the priority of learner safety, access to education, and overall well-being, noting the strain on communities. He expressed confidence in reaching a resolution through continued engagement with stakeholders and urged for calm during the process.

Simultaneously, the Gauteng MEC for Roads and Transport, Kedibone Diale-Tlabela, is hosting a Provincial Scholar Transport Stakeholder Engagement Meeting at the Johannesburg City Hall. This meeting aims to discuss shared responsibilities regarding learners’ safety, compliance enforcement, and operational challenges faced by transport operators. Topics include traffic laws, licensing backlog, and restructuring initiatives.

The engagements are designed to promote safety, reliability, and enhance the quality of scholar transport services in Gauteng.