The South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO) National Office expresses deep concern over the ongoing non-payment of scholar transport operators in the Eastern Cape, which has led to a shutdown of some scholar transport services in the Eastern Cape scheduled for tomorrow.

The council is calling on the Eastern Cape government to act swiftly to resolve all outstanding contractual and payment issues. The continued delays have placed immense strain on operators and now risk disrupting learners’ access to education at a critical time in the academic calendar.

Operators have shown patience and commitment for a while despite not being paid. Their service is vital especially for learners in rural communities who depend on scholar transport to access education.

SANTACO National Office emphasises that scholar transport is not a privilege but a necessity. It forms an integral part of South Africa’s education system and must be managed with integrity, accountability, and urgency. Like all other taxi operators,Scholar transport operators are under immense financial strain as they continue to absorb rising costs of vehicle financing, insurance, fuel, maintenance, and driver salaries without receiving due payment. Without these payments, operators simply cannot sustain their services or meet their contractual obligations to transport learners safely and reliably.

The National Office remains committed to working with all parties to ensure a speedy resolution that restores normality for learners and protects the livelihoods of operators.

The National Office further appeals to law enforcement agencies to remain on standby and to prevent any potential acts of criminality or destruction that may arise from opportunistic elements seeking to exploit the situation. This is an honest call for an honest cause of action by aggrieved operators, and should not be tainted by those with ulterior motives.

This matter requires immediate attention and collaborative action. Scholar transport, like all other transport modes, must be treated with the seriousness it deserves because when operators are neglected, end users ultimately suffer.

Issued by:
SANTACO National Office
Email: rphala@santaco.org
Call: National Spokesperson Mmatshikhidi Rebecca Phala on 062 648 4430 / 072 848 6097