WESTERN CAPE NEWS - Learner transport operators have committed to resume services on Wednesday, 7 October, after a suspension affected 21 934 learners across the Western Cape on the first day of the fourth school term.
According to a Western Cape Education Department (WCED) statement, the commitment followed discussions with the provincial leadership of the South African National Small Bus Operators Council (Sansboc) on Tuesday, 6 October. The council subsequently met with its members, who agreed to resume operations.
The department said it expected operators to honour the commitment and prevent further disruptions to schooling, particularly for vulnerable learners who depend on the service and matric learners preparing for their final examinations.
The discussions also addressed financial pressures facing transport operators. The department acknowledged that high fuel prices made it difficult for operators to sustain their businesses while bound by contractual tariffs.
According to the statement, the Western Cape is the only province actively considering diesel cost relief for learner transport operators. However, any relief would depend on affordability and the required processes.
The WCED has allocated R698m in the 2026/27 financial year to transport more than 71 000 learners each school day.
An internal departmental meeting was scheduled for Wednesday, 7 October, to consider the cost implications of the fuel price increase. The department said it would provide Sansboc with a substantive response on Friday, 9 October.
The WCED described the engagement as constructive and thanked operators, officials, principals, parents and learners for their co-operation and understanding.
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