Scholar transport a no show, pupils stuck at home | Middelburg Observer

Learners from Mkhulu Combined School in Doornkop who use subsidised government scholar transport were unable to go to school after their scholar transport drivers downed tools today (Wednesday).

Parents said they were told the Department of Public Works didn’t pay them.

The service provider, Small Bus Service, said the last payment they received was in January.

The Middelburg Observer reached out to the Department of Public Works regarding the concerns raised by Small Bus Service operators about the non-payment of outstanding invoices.

The department said there are outstanding payments due to the cut-off dates of the financial year that concluded in March, and they are asking for patience during this transition period.

The department assured all service providers that payments are being processed, as the new system already started running on April 8.

It also pleaded with the service providers not to neglect the learners who rely on essential transport services, as they are actively working to ensure that these issues are resolved promptly.