SANSBOC-WC commits to resume learner transport on Wednesday

Statement by Minister Jaco Londt, Minister of Education Western Cape

I held a constructive engagement with the leadership of the South African National Small Bus Operators Council (SANSBOC) Western Cape on 6 October 2026 to discuss learner transport issues.

Following a meeting with their members thereafter, they have agreed to resume learner transport operations tomorrow, 7 October 2026.

This provides the WCED with the opportunity to continue with its internal processes relating to this matter.

We trust that SANSBOC-WC operators will honour this commitment, as we received reports that 21 934 learners across different parts of the Western Cape were affected by the suspension of learner transport services on the first day of the fourth school term.

Our learners are our number one priority, and we are committed to ensuring there are no further disruptions to schooling.

We had an honest and frank discussion about the severe financial pressures facing the sector. The current economic climate, with high fuel prices, makes it near impossible for transport operators to have a sustainable business model when they are bound by contractual tariffs. We understand this.

This is precisely why the Western Cape is the only province actively engaging on the possibility of diesel cost relief, despite significant budget implications. The WCED already spends R698 million in the 2026/27 financial year to transport over 71 000 learners every school day. Any relief must be considered in terms of budget affordability and due process.

Today’s engagement was positive and held in good faith. It has allowed the Department the space to conclude its processes and to come back to SANSBOC with a substantive response this Friday, 9 October 2026, after the scheduled internal WCED meeting on Wednesday, 7 October 2026, where the cost implications of the fuel price increase will be discussed and considered.

I want to thank SANSBOC-WC for its partnership in ensuring learners get to schools safely.

We are particularly mindful of our most vulnerable learners who depend entirely on this service, and our matric learners who cannot afford to lose a single day.

I thank our officials, principals, parents and learners for their understanding.