By Anita Dangazele
Scholar transport to Gwebityala Senior Secondary in Elliotdale stopped in April because, said Santaco, the province had not paid the drivers.
About 80 learners from the Eastern Cape school have had to drop out—some quitting during their end-of-term tests.
These learners have to walk 24km to get to school, crossing rivers and walking through forests.
The worst affected are Grade 10s. Those still attending school must walk in groups. And if they arrive late, they are turned away at the gate, according to school rules.
Yet some learners still go to school despite the problems they have getting there.
Santaco EC spokesperson Zola Yolelo said the transport stopped because the provincial Department of Transport did not pay them.
“We had a meeting about this before. It was agreed that payments would be made by the 10th of each month. However, that has not happened. We will give the transport department a month to sort out payment issues, and if not, we will go to court or stop transporting learners altogether,” Yolelo said.
EC Transport spokesperson Unathi Binqose said they are trying to find ways to make sure learners can attend school.
“We are working closely with other departments to look at possible accommodation that can be used as hostels or boarding facilities for these learners,” said Binqose.
Meanwhile, the Eastern Cape Department of Education plans to close 978 schools as part of its school rationalisation programme and turn some schools into hostels for learners in remote areas.
Pictured above: Eastern Cape learners crossing a river to get to school.
Source: Facebook
