Striking bus transport service: Gauteng Education Department lets learners down

Image: Kopano Tla, courtesy of Times Live

The Freedom Front Plus (VF Plus) regards the failure of the Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) to pay the Gauteng Small Bus Operators’ Council (GASBOC) – the organisation responsible for transporting thousands of learners to school – as scandalous and irresponsible.

Thousands of learners, particularly from disadvantaged communities, are directly affected by this non-payment.

According to an official memorandum issued by GASBOC on 31 January 2026, the Council unanimously resolved to immediately suspend all learner transport services across Gauteng.

The primary reason is that the GDE is more than three months in arrears with payments to the operators, despite contractual obligations requiring invoices to be settled within 30 days.

In addition, the Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport failed to issue the necessary passenger transport permits, even though operators submitted applications and paid the required fees.

This dual failure has caused severe cash-flow problems: operators can no longer pay drivers, staff, vehicle financers or service providers, jeopardising the very survival of their businesses.

GASBOC emphasises that its members have always negotiated in good faith with the GDE, but the Department failed to meet its obligations while making unrealistic demands.

The Freedom Front Plus will not stand idly by while learners are denied their constitutional right to basic education.

The party has already engaged with the Department of Education to urgently find solutions, and will work with economists and financial experts to review the Department’s budget and propose strategic adjustments.

The aim is to prioritise and immediately make funding available for learner transport.

This crisis sends a clear message that the ANC-led Provincial Government of Unity does not prioritise learners’ interests. This is unacceptable, particularly as many parents cannot afford alternative transport.  

The Freedom Front Plus will do everything in its power to keep pressing for outstanding invoices to be settled, permits to be issued and bus transport to resume as soon as possible.