Vuyo Zungula, the leader of the African Transformation Movement (ATM), has written letters claiming that the transport department has failed to pay service providers, preventing learners from rural Eastern Cape schools from attending classes for the entire term.
Zungula expressed concern in two letters to Siviwe Gwarube, the Minister of Basic Education, and Barbara Creecy, the Minister of Transport.
He brought attention to the predicament of the learners at one school, who must travel 15km from the tiny town of Elliot, also called Khowa.
“It has come to my attention that numerous learners have been unable to attend school for an entire academic term due to the [Eastern Cape] transport department’s failure to make payments to service providers responsible for organising and providing scholar transportation,” wrote Zungula.
“This disruption has deprived children of their constitutional right to education and threatens their academic progress and future opportunities.”
Zungula stressed that this situation was unacceptable and called for immediate attention.
Learners’ right to education
He suggested that Creecy look into the non-payment issue and promptly restore scholar transport services.
Although he emphasised that the transport department is ultimately in charge, he pleaded with Gwarube to step in and defend the learners’ right to education.
“I humbly request you to please intervene in your capacity as the minister of basic education to ensure that these learners are not further disadvantaged.
“Your department’s mandate to safeguard access to education makes your involvement critical in addressing this crisis.
“I urge you to please engage with your counterpart in the [national] Department of Transport and relevant stakeholders to expedite solutions, such as securing alternative transport arrangements or facilitating emergency funding to restore services.”
He said he would wait for Creecy and Gwarube to respond and try to get the kids back in school.
