School transport services in the Western Cape were restored on Wednesday after being suspended for one day, which left 21,934 students without their usual transport on the first day of the fourth academic term. The resumption of services occurred after the South African National Association of Small Bus Operators – Western Cape (SANSBOC-WC) reached an agreement with the Western Cape Department of Education representative, Jaco Londt, to resume operations from October 7th.
Although the immediate disruption has ceased, the dispute regarding rising fuel prices and the financial sustainability of school transport contracts remains unresolved. Londt stated that he held constructive discussions with SANSBOC-WC management on Tuesday and welcomed the operators' decision to return to work.
He emphasized that the students are the priority and expressed commitment to ensuring no further disruptions to the educational process. Following the agreement, the Western Cape Education Department (WCED) was given time to complete internal procedures regarding the possibility of providing assistance to operators in the form of diesel fuel subsidies.
WCED is currently spending 698 million rand
WCED is expected to provide SANSBOC-WC with a detailed response on Friday, following an internal departmental meeting scheduled for Wednesday, which will focus on reviewing the financial implications of increased fuel prices. Londt acknowledged that the sector is under serious pressure, noting that the current economic climate with high fuel prices makes it nearly impossible to create a sustainable business model for transport operators bound by contractual tariffs. He stated: 'We understand this.'
The Department spends 698 million rand in the 2026/27 financial year to transport over 71,000 students daily. The Department clarified that any diesel fuel subsidy must be considered in light of budgetary availability and proper procedure.
Key financial challenges
ANC Western Cape Member of Parliament, Khalid Saeed, welcomed the resumption of services as it provided confidence to students, parents, and guardians. However, he insisted that the resumption must be accompanied by the fulfillment of all contractual routes according to schedule. Saeed reported that the ANC faction would monitor the operation through engagement with affected schools, communities, and WCED, and raise any instances of disruption. He also warned that the fundamental financial difficulties have not disappeared.
He demanded: 'We expect prompt feedback on results and urgent progress toward a sustainable solution that prevents further disruptions and uncertainty.'
PEESA founder and community activist Vanessa le Roux stated that this incident highlighted a problem that regularly affects rural students. Le Roux noted: 'Every year we face the same issue where rural children suffer at the most critical moment when they need to take important exams.'
She also expressed concern about emergency alternatives used when contracted transport services fail. 'As an emergency response plan, the Department of Education relies on taxis, which puts these children at extreme risk,' she said. Previously, SANSBOC-WC had stated that rising diesel fuel and operational costs make it difficult for contractors to continue operating under existing tariffs.
