GEORGE NEWS - Concerns are mounting in Blanco over the suspension of the school bus service transporting learners to Heatherlands High School, and the parents are warning that their children's safety and school attendance are now at risk.
The Learner Transport Scheme (LTS) route between Blanco and the school was terminated at the end of the 2025 academic year.
According to the Western Cape Education Department (WCED), the decision was made in October 2024 owing to the distance between Blanco and the school being less than 5km, as well as the availability of public transport in the area.
Spokesperson Millicent Merton confirmed that the decision had been communicated to the parents at the time and throughout 2025.
She added that a new application has since been submitted and must now follow the department's formal evaluation process by the provincial bus committee.
Nevertheless, the impact on families has been significant. Community consultant Sam Crowley informed the parents this week that a meeting with the district director was held in a constructive atmosphere, during which the current position was outlined.
The bus service had been in place since 2016. Although the parents were informed of its planned termination last year, the information sessions enjoyed limited attendance and no new application was submitted for 2026 at the time.
Following intervention by a local action committee, the matter was brought back into focus. After further engagements with WCED officials, the school resubmitted an application on Friday for the reinstatement of the bus service. "In the meantime, liaison has also taken place with Western Cape Premier Alan Winde and Mobility Minister Isaac Sileku," says Crowley.
The community's primary concern remains safety. Learners are now required to leave home earlier and walk through three identified hotspot areas.
Some parents report that the children are hitch-hiking with strangers, while others are missing school because their families cannot afford the Go George public transport fares.
According to Crowley, Blanco's Ward 1 is regarded as the poorest ward in the George municipal area, making affordability a major obstacle, particularly for households with more than one child in the school.
With winter approaching and daylight hours shortening, the parents fear these risks will intensify.
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