Education
In respect of his Department’s decision to cancel the bus service for learner transport with effect from 1 September 2024 for learners from Vredebes who are attending the Morrisdale Primary School:
(a) How long has the bus route that have been serving these learners been operational, (b) how many learners have made use of this route, (c) what are the reasons for cancelling the contract for this learner transport route and (d) what (i) alternative arrangements have been made to ensure that these learners can continue attending school and (ii) measures are in place to prevent absenteeism and dropouts as a result of this cancellation?
My department has informed me of the following:
(a) The Learner Transport Scheme (LTS) route number WCE074 that passes Vredebes has been operational for more than 10 years.
(b) 248 learners are currently approved to be transported on this route, including learners approved to be picked up at Vredebes. These learners attend Ceres Secondary School, which is situated more than 5 kilometres from Vredebes.
No learners from Vredebes that attend Morrisdale Primary School are approved on this route. They do not qualify in terms of the Learner Transport Policy, which provides for learners who reside 5 or more kilometres from their nearest school.
- The contract was not cancelled as all the learners approved to be transported on this route are all still being transported.
- (i) No alternative arrangement is required as all approved learners are being transported daily.
(ii) Not applicable as all approved learners are being transported daily.
