The North West Department of Community Safety and Transport Management has set aside more than R1 billion to address critical challenges in scholar transport, following widespread reports of accidents, unpaid service providers, and unroadworthy buses endangering learners.
MEC Wessels Morweng announced the allocation during the presentation of the department’s R2.4 billion budget for the 2025/2026 financial year at the provincial legislature in Mahikeng. Half of the budget—R1.2 billion—will be dedicated to transport operations, with a focus on modernizing systems and improving safety.
Systemic Failures in Scholar Transport
The move comes after repeated complaints from service providers over delayed payments, leading to strikes and stranded learners. Opposition members have accused the department of mismanagement, alleging that contracts were awarded to unqualified providers with political ties to the ruling African National Congress (ANC).
“The scholar transport system is barely holding together,” an opposition member stated. “We’ve seen learners waking up at 4 a.m., walking kilometers to pick-up points, only to face overcrowded, late, or non-existent transport—often in unsafe vehicles.”
Planned Interventions
The department acknowledged the crisis and outlined corrective measures, including:
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Electronic Payment System: To ensure transparency and timely payments to service providers.
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Inspection Unit: A dedicated team to enforce compliance and roadworthiness of scholar transport buses.
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Electronic Monitoring Firm: To improve efficiency and real-time tracking of the transport system.
MEC Morweng vowed, “We will not leave any stone unturned to ensure learners are transported safely in buses that meet contractual standards.”
The portfolio committee has pledged strict oversight to prevent misuse of funds, emphasizing that the budget must directly address the systemic failures plaguing scholar transport in the province.
As the new financial year begins, all eyes remain on whether these interventions will restore reliability and safety for North West’s learners.
