KABOKWENI, Mpumalanga — Scholar transport disruptions in Mpumalanga have left hundreds of learners stranded without safe commuting options this week, sparking urgent calls for immediate government intervention. The crisis, primarily affecting Sphendanyane Village and Cholongu near Kabokweni, stems from a contested tender change that has halted daily school commutes and caused students to miss critical assignments and Term 3 exams.
The breakdown in services began on September 1, when a new tender system was implemented. According to community reports, three buses arrived on Monday and successfully collected learners. However, by Tuesday, only a single bus with a capacity of 66 learners appeared, and no buses arrived for the remainder of the week.
The core of the dispute lies in the appointment of a new service provider reportedly based in Limpopo. Local transport operators, who previously held the contract, have allegedly been blocking the newly appointed buses from accessing pickup points in the area.
Parents and community members express deep concern over the safety of the children. With the primary road stretch being notably long and situated near the Kruger National Park, caregivers have been forced to accompany their children to hitchhike or walk long distances to and from school.
The academic impact on students has been immediate. Learners report falling significantly behind in their schoolwork after being stranded at home for up to three days. With Term 3 exams currently underway, many students have already missed scheduled assessments, raising fears of long-term academic setbacks.
Kaya Shong, a local bus service provider affected by the tender change, strongly disputed the provincial government’s rationale for the removal. Shong stated that the Department of Public Works, Roads, and Transport unfairly terminated their services, rejecting allegations that their vehicles are poorly maintained.
“The department cannot say our buses are not safe because we have been working previously for more than 10 to 20 years loading school children,” Shong explained, emphasizing that their fleet is roadworthy, regularly serviced, and operates with valid, up-to-date license discs. Shong expressed frustration that an out-of-province company was brought in to perform a job local operators have safely executed for over a decade.
The provincial Department of Public Works, Roads, and Transport had reportedly promised to respond to the allegations and provide a resolution to the ongoing blockade. However, the department was unavailable for comment at the time of reporting.
As the standoff continues, parents and learners remain in the streets, demanding a swift resolution to restore safe, reliable scholar transport and prevent further disruption to the students’ education.
