Learner transport is regulated: Edu Dept

Only contracted vehicles are permitted to transport learners, the Department of Education has confirmed.
This comes as a concerned parent has noted that some learners are transported by vehicles that have not been laid out in the scholar transport governing policies.
The parent told Polokwane Observer that some scholar transport operators pass on their duties to unregistered or permitted drivers who do not adhere to the scholar transport regulations as they are not familiar to them. “The safety of the learners is compromised, when non-registered drivers transport them. There will be no sense of accountability because the drivers are not registered with the department.”
Departmental Spokesperson Tidimalo Chuene says it should be noted that contracted operators are allowed to have backup agreements with other operators in case of accidents and breakdowns. “The engagement of non-permitted operators on reasons other than those stated is strongly prohibited and if found their vehicles are impounded.”
The parent says she has noticed that some learners are transported from various schools and dropped off along the R71, where they have to wait out in the sun for their designated transport to take them home. “These learners play around with no adult supervision. Even now, during the lockdown when they are supposed to be adhering to social distancing and wearing face masks it does not happen because they are there on their own. Even if someone is there with them they are not supervised.”
She adds that the department is also failing to recognise female scholar transport operators who work in the province. “It is difficult to find yourself registered as a female operator as the department does not make it easy. It is about time they give recognition to the women that are working to ensure that our learners arrive to and from school safely.”
Chuene says contracted operators are compelled to apply for learner transport permits with the Department of Transport where they are required to present their learner transport appointment letters reflecting approved vehicles, route and schools where service is to be rendered.
According to Chuene the department does have a monitoring tool used to monitor learner transport operators’ compliance with scholar transport policy. This is used routinely by departmental officials and traffic officers.

Story: Umpha Manenzhe