Transport MEC concerned over scholar transport strike
Mec of public works, roads and transport raises concerns over continued scholar transport strike by service providers in Mpumalanga.
MBOMBELA – The MEC for the Department of Public Works, Roads and Transport, Ms Dumisile Nhlengethwa has noted with grave concern the disruptions on the ferrying of learners to schools on July 21-22, 2014 in some areas in Mbombela.
“It is more concerning that the operators chose to embark on such an unfortunate action without first seeking audience with the department, especially the Executing Authority,” she said.
The Executive Council took a decision to transfer the scholar transport function from the Department of Education to the Department of Public Work, Roads and Transport with effect from August 1, 2009.
“From August 1, 2009 to date, there are no invoices that have been submitted and verified that have not been paid by the department. Therefore, the allegations that are levelled against the department of any outstanding payments are far from the truth. The department takes strong exceptions of bad elements that are disrupting teaching and learning in schools, disguising as concerned operators,” reads a media release from the department.
It continues to state that to this end, in the spirit of stakeholder relations, the department organised a meeting with the concerned group of contracted operators to listen to them with the view of resolving the problem.
“Regrettably, the contracted operators refused to honour the meeting as they demanded to bring other operators who were not contracted to the department,”continued the statement.
