FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: 04 February 2026
Issued by: Congress of South African Students (COSAS) National Task Team
The Congress of South African Students (COSAS) expresses serious concern over the Gauteng Department of Education’s (GDE) recent media statement on the ongoing scholar transport crisis and outstanding payments to service providers.
While the Department continues issuing statements projecting engagement and progress, learners across Gauteng remain unable to attend school due to halted transport services. COSAS strongly condemns the GDE for prioritising public relations over urgently addressing the challenges affecting working-class learners.
It is unacceptable that learners are punished for the Department’s failure to honour contractual obligations with transport service providers. Non-payment has left learners stranded, missing valuable learning time, and exposed to unsafe conditions while attempting alternative travel to school.
COSAS further rejects the Department’s repeated pattern of issuing reassuring statements without practical interventions. Learners cannot rely on promises while their constitutional right to education is undermined. Scholar transport is not a privilege but a critical tool ensuring equal access to education, especially for learners from rural and township communities.
COSAS Demands:
- Immediate settlement of all outstanding payments owed to scholar transport service providers.
- Transparent communication with affected learners, parents, and schools on timelines for full restoration of services.
- A long-term, sustainable plan to prevent recurring scholar transport disruptions.
- Accountability from officials responsible for administrative failures leading to this crisis.
COSAS remains committed to defending learners’ rights and will continue mobilising communities and stakeholders until the Department delivers tangible solutions instead of media exercises.
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