With learner safety under intense scrutiny following a deadly scholar transport crash that claimed the lives of 14 children in the Vaal, Gauteng authorities convened a critical engagement with scholar transport operators at Johannesburg City Hall in an effort to clamp down on non-compliance in the sector.
The meeting brought together transport operators, industry stakeholders and government representatives to reinforce the importance of operating within the law and prioritising the safety and dignity of learners.
This was the department’s second engagement with scholar transport operators since the January tragedy. An earlier session saw more than 1,000 application forms distributed alongside guidance aimed at improving compliance and safety. A follow-up meeting on January 26 attracted over 500 operators, many of whom raised concerns about delays and obstacles in securing operating licences, highlighting long-standing challenges in formalising their operations.
Gauteng MEC for Roads and Transport Kedibone Diale-Tlabela acknowledged these concerns but maintained that compliance with the law remains non-negotiable, stressing that scholar transport is a safety-critical service.
She warned that the province would not tolerate disruptions, intimidation or attempts to pressure the department into overlooking non-compliance, adding that enforcement would proceed without fear or favour.
“The operators want to be compliant. As the Department of Roads and Transport, our responsibility is to assist them and ensure they operate within the law. But we must meet each other halfway,” Diale-Tlabela said.
The MEC outlined key requirements that operators must meet to progress their applications and ensure learner safety. These include entering into formal agreements with parents, supported by signed indemnity forms, as well as obtaining endorsement letters from School Governing Bodies or school principals confirming that they transport learners from those institutions. The department has engaged the Gauteng Department of Education to assist in streamlining this process.
She further stressed that vehicle safety would not be compromised, noting that all scholar transport vehicles must be roadworthy.
“We have negotiated reduced prices at private VTS centres to support operators. There is no excuse for transporting children in unroadworthy vehicles,” she said.
Since intensifying its compliance drive last year, the department has received operating licence applications from more than 1,500 scholar transport operators. Of these, over 500 licences have been issued, while 1,009 applications are currently at various stages of finalisation. The department said some applications remain outstanding due to municipal concurrence requirements, incomplete documentation or changes in applicants’ contact details.
“In the past two weeks alone, more than 600 application forms were collected from departmental offices, yet only 54 completed forms were returned,” the department noted.
Diale-Tlabela urged operators experiencing difficulties with the process to approach the department for assistance, reiterating that learner safety cannot be compromised.
“If you are struggling with the process, come back to us. Our doors are open. But we cannot finalise your operating licence without the required documents. Learner safety cannot be compromised,” she said.
Despite these assurances, several scholar transport operators expressed frustration with the outcome of the engagement, citing poor planning and a lack of appreciation for the size of the sector. Some operators said the venue was unable to accommodate all attendees, resulting in many being left outside City Hall despite travelling to Johannesburg to participate.
One operator criticised the MEC’s handling of the engagement, describing it as disorganised and dismissive of long-established associations.
“We are here from City Hall, and it was a failure because it seems the MEC doesn’t know what she’s doing or even understand the size of the scholar transport sector. She couldn’t secure a venue that could accommodate the numbers we showed up with,” the operator said.
The operator further claimed that recognised associations had complied with registration requirements and submitted the necessary documentation but accused the department of shifting requirements as operators move closer to compliance.
“She must come to her senses and follow proper processes instead of changing the rules when people are close to the finish line. We can’t have a meeting inside while our members are left outside,” he said.
Operators also questioned why associations, which they state represent the majority of the sector, continue to feel sidelined despite being present both inside and outside the venue.
Some warned that unless their grievances are urgently addressed, they may consider withholding transport services, a move that could disrupt schooling for thousands of learners across Gauteng.
The Star