POLOKWANE – The Limpopo Scholar Transport Alliance (LSTA) has called on Provincial Government to introduce a subsidised vehicle renewal programme to replace old and unsafe scholar transport vehicles, warning that hundreds of learners are being transported in ageing bakkies and minibuses.

LSTA chairperson Thapedi Kgole made the call last Tuesday during an inquiry hosted by the Limpopo Legislature Portfolio Committee on Transport and Road Safety.

Speaking on behalf of more than 30 local scholar transport associations, Kgole told transport stakeholders that scholar transport was a critical part of the education system and not simply a taxi service.

“A learner who cannot safely reach school on time is already disadvantaged before the first lesson begins. For many learners, especially those from rural and remote areas of Limpopo, scholar transport is the bridge between their homes and their future,” he said.

2 major challenges identified

The alliance identified two major challenges facing operators in the province:

• Delays in issuing operating licences
• An ageing fleet

Kgole told the committee that some licence applications had been outstanding since last year, while many vehicles used in rural communities were old Toyota Siyayas, Ventures, Condors, older minibuses and bakkies converted for scholar transport.

Rising maintenance costs

He said rising maintenance costs and the difficulty of obtaining affordable spare parts had made it increasingly difficult for operators to keep their vehicles roadworthy.

To address the problem, LSTA proposed a government-supported scholar transport vehicle renewal programme. Under the proposal, old vehicles would be surrendered and scrapped, with operators receiving subsidies or financial assistance to purchase safer, modern vehicles.

Partnerships with manufacturers and financial institutions

The plan also calls for partnerships with vehicle manufacturers and financial institutions to help compliant operators access financing.

“We believe that strong legislative oversight is necessary to ensure that scholar transport is managed in a way that prioritises the safety and dignity of learners,” Kgole said.

“An operator who has served the community for many years should not be forced out because they cannot afford a new vehicle. Instead, responsible operators should be supported to upgrade.”

Call for coordinated approach

Kgole also urged stronger cooperation between the Provincial Legislature, the Department of Transport, Department of Education, municipalities, law enforcement, registered associations and operators.

He said a coordinated approach was needed to address unsafe vehicles, illegal operators and inconsistent regulations.

The LSTA represents scholar transport operators across Limpopo and says its priority is ensuring every learner has access to safe, reliable, accessible and dignified transport to and from school.