Scholar Transport Strike Leaves Learners Stranded in Carletonville

Thabo Motlhadi

Scholar transport service providers in Carletonville Community embarked on a strike on Thursday morning, February 12, 2026, leaving many learners without transport to school.

Service providers recently organized a parents’ meeting at the community open space to inform families about the shutdown. The strike was aimed at seeking cooperation and intervention from the Provincial Education Department, as non-payment has affected their ability to operate.

According to the spokesperson of the Gauteng Small Bus Operations Council, Mr. Sfiso Cele, it’s unreasonable to expect operators to continue working without funds.

“It’s unreasonable to make that request when you don’t have diesel and money for other operational costs.”

On Thursday morning, no school buses or taxis were operating, forcing many school learners to walk long distances – some taking up to two hours to reach school. Several school learners come from disadvantaged families, with some wearing worn-out school shoes.

Parents expressed serious concerns about their children’s safety. Many learners leave home as early as 5am and must cross a river to reach school. There were reportedly incidents of learners drowning or getting injured while making the journey.

Concerned parent Mrs Andiswa Mmapelo said,

“We are concerned as parents; our children leave very early in the morning, and we fear for their lives. They must cross the river, and some have drowned. Others walk long distances with worn-out school shoes and arrive late at school.”

The meeting informed parents that no Scholar transport would operate until further notice, urging them to make alternative arrangements where possible. However, many families are unable to afford private transport, leaving learners with no choice but to walk.

The Provincial Department of Education has since Friday promised that all scholar transport service providers will be paid by Monday, raising hopes that services will resume soon.