The Mpumalanga department of Public Works, Roads and Transport together with their education counterparts in the education sector convened a high-level joint meeting on Sunday 13 September, to take stock of developments following the introduction of the new Scholar Transport contract which came into effect on 1 September 2026.
The meeting was directed by the minister Thulasizwe Thomo of public works, roads and transport and minister of education, Lindi Masina.
The departments have noted that while scholar transport operations are proceeding smoothly in the majority of localities across the province, there are notable instances where challenges have affected the transportation of some learners. The meeting therefore adopted a coordinated and solutions-driven approach to address these challenges.
This includes closely monitoring the developments on the ground, identifying areas requiring immediate intervention and putting in place practical measures to resolve outstanding challenges.
As part of the immediate intervention, officials from both departments have been directed to strengthen monitoring on the ground, engage directly with affected communities and schools, liaise with scholar transport service providers and other relevant role players, and ensure that identified challenges are addressed expeditiously.
The departments appeal to all stakeholders for cooperation, patience and constructive engagement as the intervention measures are implemented. “The identified challenges must not be allowed to undermine the broader mission of ensuring quality education and creating an enabling environment in which every learner can learn and thrive.”
The meeting urged affected communities to work together with the officials of the two departments and refrain from acts of intimidation, threats, violence or deliberate disruption of scholar transport operations. Both ministers reaffirmed that differences and challenges relating to the implementation of this new development must be resolved through dialogue, constructive engagement and established government processes, rather than through actions that disrupt the education of learners.
