The DA in Limpopo will write to MEC Lerule-Ramakhanya, to request assistance for learners from Tiyani Village (New Look 1 and 2) in Collins Chabane Local Municipality that have been excluded from the scholar transport programme and continue to walk long distances.
We have received numerous complaints that there are no schools in the vicinity of these areas and that learners that range from grade R to grade 12 are reportedly forced to travel for more than six kilometres to attend school. The scholar transport policy states that learners travelling a distance of five kilometres or more to school are eligible for scholar transport.
It is unacceptable that these learners are currently not receiving scholar transport. Just yesterday, the Limpopo Legislature concluded a public enquiry on scholar transport involving the Limpopo Department of Education aimed at strengthening legislature oversight to deliver safe, reliable, accessible and dignified scholar transport for every learner in Limpopo.
The province continues to face historical challenges with scholar transport, ranging from insufficient scholar transport, operating licence compliance, late appointment of operators, unsuitable vehicles and safety and roadworthy issues.
The DA attended and supported the two day public enquiry into scholar transport where valuable inputs were made by various stakeholders and wherein the MEC’s for Education and Transport made clear undertakings to address these issues.
Scholar transport is pivotal to learner’s access to education, improved academic outcomes and learner safety especially in Limpopo’s rural communities where schools are often a long distance away.
The DA will continue to fight for a safe scholar transport system for all who are eligible. Limpopo learners deserve a government that provides adequate support and ensures they receive a good education in a dignified manner.