The GJLTO has voiced strong concern about the impact of ongoing law enforcement operations on scholar transport, warning that recent actions are traumatising learners and disrupting their access to education.

The concerns follow a joint operation led by Minister of Transport Barbara Creecy in Lenasia on Thursday, January 22, during which three drivers were reportedly arrested and close to 60 scholar transport vehicles were impounded.

GJLTO public relations officer Thabo Maponya questioned whether authorities had adequately considered the emotional and practical consequences of removing learner transport vehicles during school hours.

“They come with these operations without thinking about the trauma they are causing our children. Once these vehicles are taken away, what happens to the learners in the afternoon?” Maponya asked.

He also raised frustrations about the scholar transport permit application process, saying operators are often instructed to submit documentation without receiving proof of submission or feedback from authorities.

“We are told to submit documents and promised receipts, but to this day, we have not received anything. It is not fair for us as scholar transport operators to be treated like this all the time,” he said.

While acknowledging the seriousness of recent scholar transport accidents, Maponya cautioned against what he described as blanket enforcement measures that affect compliant operators.

“We are not disputing what has happened. The driver was wrong, and it was negligence. It was an accident, and it happened. However, that should not result in everyone being punished,” he said.

The organisation has called for improved engagement between authorities and scholar transport operators, urging a more balanced approach that prioritises learner safety while ensuring uninterrupted access to education.