NGQUSHWA, Eastern Cape – A payment dispute between local taxi operators and government authorities has left hundreds of learners in the Ngqushwa area without transport to school, intensifying concerns as the mid-year examination period approaches.
Operators providing scholar transport services confirmed they suspended operations to compel the Department of Transport to settle outstanding invoices for ferrying students to schools throughout the region. The standoff follows a demonstration at the Eastern Cape Premier’s office, where taxi operators were reportedly assured that payments would be processed around May 15. According to spokespersons for the operators, that deadline has passed with only approximately six service providers in the region receiving payment to date.
In an effort to limit academic harm, taxi operators have continued transporting Grade 12 learners to support their preparation for the upcoming mid-year examinations. However, students in other grades are currently not being conveyed to school. At Nathaniel Pamla High School in Ngqushwa, morning observations showed only three Grade 12 classes in session, while numerous other classrooms remained vacant.
Parents have issued urgent appeals to both the Department of Transport and taxi operators to resolve the impasse. Several caregivers noted they have received no official communication from the Department of Education regarding the suspension or a projected timeline for resolution. Parents also raised concerns about the payment administration system, citing explanations from transport officials that scholar transport reimbursements are processed in sequential “runs”—a method that has resulted in inconsistent and delayed payments to providers.
The disruption’s reach extends beyond learners who depend directly on scholar transport. Community members report that students who walk to school or use privately arranged transport are also affected by the broader interruption to classroom continuity and teaching schedules. Some families have begun covering costs for alternative private transport, placing additional financial pressure on households.
While acknowledging parental concerns, taxi operator spokespersons have encouraged families to collaborate in urging government to expedite outstanding payments. They reiterated their willingness to minimize educational setbacks but emphasized that a lasting solution depends on the Department of Transport fulfilling its contractual payment commitments.
With June mid-year examinations drawing nearer, education stakeholders warn that extended disruption could undermine learners’ academic readiness and performance. Parents, transport providers, and education officials now face heightened pressure to reach a swift, mutually agreeable resolution that restores reliable scholar transport and protects the educational progress of all learners across the Ngqushwa area.