Scholar transport operators and other operators were happy to receive their operating permits during a handover ceremony on Tuesday.
Image: Itumeleng English/Independent Newspapers
While some scholar transport operators were happy to receive their operating permits from the Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport on Tuesday, some disgruntled operators have threatened legal action against the MEC Kedibone Diale-Tlabela.
Gathering at the provincial offices on Commissioner Street, operators from regions including Sedibeng, Johannesburg, and Ekurhuleni collected their permits after enduring an extended waiting period.
Thulani Hlengwa, an Ekurhuleni-based operator, expressed relief upon receiving his third permit, stating: "Having an operating permit gives one freedom as it eliminates fear of being stopped by the cops on the road." His sentiments were echoed by Sizwe Simelane, who operates five vehicles and commented on the peace of mind the permits provide to his drivers.
His sentiments were echoed by Sizwe Simelane, who operates five vehicles and commented on the peace of mind the permits provide to his drivers.
"This is not my first operating permit. I have five vehicles, which have been operating since 2018. Having such a permit gives my drivers peace of mind. I love the fact that it did not take that long for my operating permit to be approved," he stated.
While these operators celebrated their victories, a contrasting narrative emerged among a faction led by Thabo Sikwamisa, chairperson of the Greater Gauteng Learner Organisation (GGLTO). He accused the department of unjust practices, alleging that many members were being turned away due to ever-changing requirements, lacking prior consultation.
"The department appears to be applying different requirements across the province, which creates confusion and inconsistency," Sikwamisa lamented. He further questioned the timeline of the recently issued permits, calling attention to the operators' frustrations that have led to protests, notably a march to Liberty Gardens, where grievances were formally submitted.
Scores of scholar transport operators gathered in Johannesburg as they received their operating permits on Tuesday.
Image: Itumeleng English/Independent Newspapers
Last month, these protesting operators marched to Mary Fitzgerald Square, where they handed a memorandum to the MEC saying they would not attend a departmental engagement, as only a handful of associations had agreed to participate.
Departmental spokesperson Lesiba Mpya stated that their process has been created to ensure fairness and transparency at all times. He added that the department has been visiting various districts across the province to ensure fairness.
"We have been transparent and open about this process as we can be. We dispute claims being made by some of these scholar transport operators that the transport lacks transparency. The department tried to accommodate these groups, but they snubbed the MEC for their own march last month," he stated.
Mpya further revealed that the department has received more than 1,500 scholar transport applications over and above normal taxi operators since the start of the process.
As a result, the process has seen at least 161 operating permits being issued to scholar transport operators this week. More others are set to receive their permits when the MEC visits the City of Tshwane on Wednesday.
Mpya also reflected on the recent accident, which is reported to have taken place on Tuesday morning. The latest incident has not resulted in any fatalities. However, the City of Ekurhuleni said the incident was between a mini-bus taxi and a bakkie at about 6.56 am.
It is reported that this scholar transport was on its way from Leondale to Katlehong Technical College when the crash happened.
Mpya further indicated that while there were no fatalities in the latest accident, the department is concerned that eight learners are being treated for injuries at various hospitals, with four of these reported to be in a critical state.
"At all times, when scholar transporters are involved in an accident, it is unfortunate. We are informed that the four children are in a critical condition, and eight of them were involved in this accident," he stated.
Notably, this incident comes in the wake of a tragic accident in January that claimed 11 lives in Vanderbijlpark, stirring heightened concerns about road safety for scholar transport drivers. The case involving 22-year-old driver Ayanda Dludla, who faces multiple serious charges following a fatal crash, remains in the public discourse, fuelling further anxiety among operators and families alike.
siyabonga.sithole@inl.co.za