SANTCO concerned over ongoing non-payment of EC scholar transport operators

The South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO) says it’s deeply concerned over the ongoing non-payment of scholar transport operators in the Eastern Cape amid threats of a shutdown of some scholar transport services in the province as schools reopen on Monday.

SANTACO is calling on the Eastern Cape government to act swiftly to resolve all outstanding contractual and payment issues. 

Eastern Cape Premier Oscar Mabuyane said the matter was being addressed, blaming some payment delays on a lack of compliance from drivers.

Mabuyane said the possible disruptions on Monday come at a critical time in the academic calendar as schools prepare for final exams.

But SANTACO national spokesperson Mmatshikhidi Phala said some taxi operators had already gone above and beyond, despite the non-payment.

"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."