Unpaid bus operators in North West threaten to withdraw services, leaving thousands of students without transport as the second school term begins.
As schools across the North West province reopen for the second term, a looming crisis threatens to leave thousands of learners stranded. Small bus operators responsible for scholar transport have not been paid for four months—forcing some students to consider walking long distances to attend school.
Despite a commitment from the Provincial Transport Department to release R53 million before the financial system closure, operators remain unpaid for services rendered between December 2024 and March 2025. The department cited a severe budget shortfall and delays in the national budget as key reasons for its failure to fulfil payment obligations.
Mounting Pressure on Bus Operators
Operators, represented by the South African National Small Bus Operators Council (SANSBOC), nearly went on strike ahead of the school term but chose to continue negotiations after a meeting in Mahikeng last Friday. Washington Ntozini, provincial secretary of SANSBOC, revealed that buses could not be serviced over the December holidays due to lack of funds—impacting vehicle safety and compliance.
“Despite facing harassment from law enforcement over expired operating licences and traffic fines caused by regulatory delays, we still got the kids to school in January,” Ntozini said.
The operators have issued an ultimatum to the department: pay up, or they will be forced to withdraw services and inform parents, whom they view as primary stakeholders, of the looming shutdown.
Political Tensions and Delayed National Budget
The scholar transport issue reflects wider fiscal turbulence, as political disagreements over a proposed VAT increase have delayed the finalisation of the national budget. Without receiving their equitable share from National Treasury, provincial departments struggle to pay service providers—violating Treasury rules that mandate supplier payments within 30 days of invoice receipt.
Students at Risk, Parents on Edge
While the operators have pledged to keep buses running this Tuesday, the clock is ticking. The North West has, until now, enjoyed 15 years without a scholar transport strike. That record is now at risk as frustration mounts over broken promises and budget mismanagement.
The future of scholar transport in the province remains uncertain—and for the children depending on it, walking long distances to school could soon become a harsh reality.
