-
The strike by operators has affected over 200 000 learners across Gauteng
The Gauteng Small Bus Operators Council has accused the provincial education department of violating learners’ constitutional right to education. This comes after members affiliated to the council stopped operating their buses – claiming they have not been paid by the department for months.
The strike by operators, which started last Monday, has affected over 200 000 learners across Gauteng.
The Council’s Chairperson Jabulani Khumalo says they will not transport the children – until the department pays all monies – due to them.
“Scholar transport and food nutrition are poverty alleviation programmes which are constitutional rights for kids to have. That is the challenge we have that is seems the government doesn’t take and acknowledge. [It is] the constitutional rights of these kids to have education and meal at schools. And to be transported on the safe environment that’s what we are looking at.”
The Gauteng Education Department has admitted that the strike has affected learning and teaching. Spokesperson Steve Mabona says they are working around the clock – to pay the operators.
“We are in a financial challenge which dictates that we can only pay certain amount. So we said to them let’s pay you for December and we have processed that we have paid for December. We are working with Treasury finalizing the process to make sure that we should be in position to pay November outstanding. We will then have to work with operators to make sure that we have invoices for January,” adds Mabona.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pwFW4r4lUX4
