Pupils find themselves 200 metres short of free transport
Primary school learners in Ceres who live less than five kilometres from their school are now required to walk, following changes to transport policies. This change has sparked significant concerns about the safety, accessibility, and well-being of the children, particularly given the risks posed by road safety, weather conditions, and other potential hazards along their route.
Previously, the Western Cape Education Department (WCED) provided free transportation for these children. However, last year, parents were informed that this service would no longer be available. On Wednesday morning, around 50 children, along with their parents, marched in protest from Vredebes to Morrisdale Primary School.
Community leader Naoma Betana explained that the main reason for not approving transportation for 48 learners from Vredebes to Morrisdale Primary was that the distance from their homes to the school ranged between 3.7 and 4 kilometres.
According to the WCED Learner Transport policy, which aligns with most provinces, transportation is only provided for learners living five or more kilometres from their nearest school. Betana also noted that many of the parents are unemployed, seasonal workers, or pensioners and cannot afford the R470 monthly cost of transportation.
Bronagh Hammond, spokesperson for the WCED, defended the decision, citing budgetary constraints. She explained that the current learner transport budget amounts to R598,542,000, and adjusting the kilometre threshold would require additional funding. Hammond further stated that the WCED could not amend the existing Learner Transport Scheme policy, but added that bus routes would continue for learners who qualify and have approved applications.
Hammond also mentioned that the department had engaged with the school principal regarding travel subsidy applications and suggested the introduction of walking buses, a strategy that has been successfully implemented in other areas.
Brett Herron, secretary-general of the Good party, criticized the situation, pointing out that half-empty school buses passed by learners who were only 200 metres short of qualifying for free transport. Herron also condemned the police intervention during a sit-in protest by parents at Morrisdale Primary, stating that it undermined the promise made by MEC for Education David Maynier during an Education Committee meeting on November 29, 2024, to engage with parents and find a solution.
Herron emphasized the dangers faced by these children, noting that they not only walk to school but also navigate ganglands and cross highways. He called for the department to reinstate free transportation for children in the poorest communities of Ceres and Tulbagh.
Previously, the Western Cape Education Department (WCED) provided free transportation for these children. However, last year, parents were informed that this service would no longer be available. On Wednesday morning, around 50 children, along with their parents, marched in protest from Vredebes to Morrisdale Primary School.
Community leader Naoma Betana explained that the main reason for not approving transportation for 48 learners from Vredebes to Morrisdale Primary was that the distance from their homes to the school ranged between 3.7 and 4 kilometres.
According to the WCED Learner Transport policy, which aligns with most provinces, transportation is only provided for learners living five or more kilometres from their nearest school. Betana also noted that many of the parents are unemployed, seasonal workers, or pensioners and cannot afford the R470 monthly cost of transportation.
Bronagh Hammond, spokesperson for the WCED, defended the decision, citing budgetary constraints. She explained that the current learner transport budget amounts to R598,542,000, and adjusting the kilometre threshold would require additional funding. Hammond further stated that the WCED could not amend the existing Learner Transport Scheme policy, but added that bus routes would continue for learners who qualify and have approved applications.
Hammond also mentioned that the department had engaged with the school principal regarding travel subsidy applications and suggested the introduction of walking buses, a strategy that has been successfully implemented in other areas.
Brett Herron, secretary-general of the Good party, criticized the situation, pointing out that half-empty school buses passed by learners who were only 200 metres short of qualifying for free transport. Herron also condemned the police intervention during a sit-in protest by parents at Morrisdale Primary, stating that it undermined the promise made by MEC for Education David Maynier during an Education Committee meeting on November 29, 2024, to engage with parents and find a solution.
Herron emphasized the dangers faced by these children, noting that they not only walk to school but also navigate ganglands and cross highways. He called for the department to reinstate free transportation for children in the poorest communities of Ceres and Tulbagh.
