Learner Transport Scheme benefits almost 46,000 rural learners daily – MEC Cameron Dugmore

By Ilhaam Hoosain
14 May 2008

According to their Western Cape Education Department's (WCED) their Learner Transport Scheme benefits almost 46,000 rural learners on a daily basis at a cost of R87-million per year.

The WCED continues to expand to include grade R learners from next year, revealed MEC Cameron Dugmore on Tuesday in an interpellation in the Provincial Legislature.

He said he will make further announcements in this regard in his Budget Speech next week.

MEC Dugmore said in the rural areas there are 193 contractors transporting 45,951 learners daily. The expenditure for the 2007/08 financial year amounts to R87,166,935.00.

"Some of the problems we experience with contractors, include contractors replacing vehicles without the necessary authorization – a team has been appointed to specifically ensure that buses utilised are roadworthy.

"In some cases all the approved buses are not utilised and therefore principals have been requested to ensure that all buses are utilised as approved and not to allow overloading of vehicles," said MEC Dugmore.

He also answered questions on the number of matriculants writing the current supplementary exams and their preparedness; the qualifications of teachers in rural schools; and arrangements for the training of school governing bodies.