The Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) has appealed for calm among all stakeholders as engagements continue with public scholar transport service providers and processes to finalise outstanding payments progress.

According to the department, it remains actively engaged with service providers in good faith, to reach an amicable and sustainable resolution to the matter.

The GDE has reiterated its appeal for the uninterrupted provision of scholar transport services, stressing that thousands of learners rely on the programme for safe and consistent access to education.

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In response to recent disruptions, schools have been advised to prepare and implement academic recovery and catch-up programmes to mitigate potential learning losses and ensure that teaching and learning remain on track.

“Learner safety, access to education, and overall well-being remain our highest priorities. We are fully cognisant of the strain this situation has placed on our communities.

“We will continue to engage all affected stakeholders constructively and remain confident that these engagements will lead to a resolution. We therefore appeal for calm as we work diligently within the required processes to conclude this matter,” said Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane.