Learners left stranded as Scholar Transport providers halt services over inpaid invoices

Dozens of learners across parts of Gauteng were left struggling to get to school this week after several scholar transport providers stopped operating due to unpaid invoices from the Gauteng Department of Education (GDE). Schools reported low attendance from Monday, 2 February 2026, as the suspension affected learners who depend on the GDE’s Scholar Transport Programme. For many pupils, particularly those travelling long distances from home, the sudden halt meant missing lessons and falling behind on schoolwork through no fault of their own. Parents and school communities expressed concern as children were left stranded at home, highlighting how critical scholar transport is for access to education in many areas.

The Gauteng Department of Education has since acknowledged the disruption and confirmed that it is engaging with the affected transport operators. The department says discussions are ongoing and has assured providers that outstanding invoices will be paid once internal financial processes are completed. In the meantime, the GDE has appealed to operators to continue transporting learners while engagements continue, stressing the importance of keeping learners in class. As talks continue, schools have been advised to implement academic recovery plans to help learners catch up on missed work and minimise the impact on teaching and learning. Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane said the department remains focused on resolving the matter swiftly, with learner safety and well-being at the centre of its efforts.

“Safety, access and the well-being of learners remain our priority. We will continue to engage all affected stakeholders to resolve this matter, and we are confident that these engagements will allow services to resume,” Chiloane said. He added that the department remains open to constructive engagement and encouraged service providers to raise their concerns directly with the GDE as efforts continue to restore normal operations.