SAHRC releases findings from its investigation into the scholar transport system

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SAHRC media briefing on scholar transport

The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC/the Commission) has released its findings from its investigation into the scholar transport system in the North West.

The launch of this investigative report follows an investigation into complaints regarding the persistent and systemic challenges within the scholar transport system in the North West Province.

These challenges include, among others, the use of unroadworthy and overloaded vehicles, unsafe transportation conditions, inadequate monitoring, and institutional failures that endanger learners and violate their rights.

Commissioner Nomahlubi Khwinana, who delivered the findings, lashed out at the department of community safety and transport, as the North West Department of Education for failing to implement effectively their mandate.

“Weak oversight and enforcement mechanisms have resulted in non-compliant service providers operating without consequences,” Khwinana said.

The province’s treasury department was also criticisd for failing to provide adequate financial oversight therefore opening room for corruption and procurement.

“There have also been corruption and procurement irregularities, including misrepresentation by service providers and failures in contract management. Budgetary constraints and payment failures, including delayed or non-payment of service providers, directly undermine service delivery and safety compliance, she said.

This report comes hours after 13 learners lost their lives when their scholar transport collided with a truck in Vanderbijlpark, Gauteng on Monday.

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