Department of Education Extranet

LEARNER TRANSPORT OPERATORS SUSPEND STRIKE ACTION

The Northern Cape Department of Education welcomes the decision by learner transport operators to lift the suspension of strike action following constructive engagements between the Department, the Provincial Treasury and representatives of SANSBOC (South African National Small Bus Operators Council) . The outcome reflects a shared commitment to finding practical solutions that support the continued transportation of learners and the stability of educational services across the province.

Schools across the Northern Cape were severely affected today due to strike action by learner transport operators. As a result, many learners were unable to attend school, while transport operators demanded an immediate tariff increase.

The Northern Cape Department of Education would like to clarify to the public that all learner transport operators are paid monthly and on time. The strike action was not a result of unpaid funds, but rather a demand for a tariff increase, due to the recent fuel price hike.

Following engagements with the Provincial Treasury, a tariff increase was granted and subsequently accepted by the learner transport operators. It was agreed that learner transport services would resume with immediate effect, particularly as learners are currently writing their mid-year examinations.

The Department is grateful for the continued support of the Provincial Treasury and the learner transport association in facilitating successful negotiations and ensuring a swift resolution to the matter. The Department also acknowledges the willingness of the learner transport association and its members to engage in constructive dialogue and reach an amicable resolution in the best interests of learners.

We would also like to assure the public that no learner's academic performance will be adversely affected. Through the Department's Examinations and Assessment Unit, measures have been put in place to ensure that all learners are accommodated and able to write their examinations.

The Department is particularly mindful of the inconvenience and anxiety experienced by learners, parents, educators and school management teams during the disruption. The well-being of our learners remains our highest priority. Through this process, we continue to work towards ensuring a safe, reliable and sustainable learner transport system throughout the province.

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