LEARNER TRANSPORT

In South Africa, deep rural and farm areas are faced with a mammoth task when it comes to access to education. Factors such as long distances learners have to walk to the nearest school, geographical planning of rural settlements and slanted provision of infrastructure (schools) during the Apartheid Era deprived children in these areas access to basic education and presently the problem persist. In response to this predicament, Learner Transport has been established as one of the fundamental pillars in order for learners to exercise their Constitutional right of access to education.

STRUCTURE

Learner transport function is a joint responsibility between Department of Transport and Department of Basic education. In the North West Province, Department of Education is responsible for determining the total need for learner transport in deserving schools while Department of Community Safety and Transport Management oversees the implementation of learner transport at school level by procuring services. Learner transport in the Department of Education falls within the Directorate of Learner Social Support Services

FUCTIONS:

  • To provide learner transport to deserving learners
  • To make schools easily accessible to learners
  • To promote the culture of learning and teaching
  • To create jobs for the community at large

WHO QUALIFIES FOR LEARNER TRANSPORT?

South African Learners in farm schools and deep rural areas between Grade R – 12 who have to walk more than 3-10km to the nearest school.

Priority should be given to learners in Primary schools and learners with special needs.

STRATEGIC DOCUMENTS

  • National Learner Transport Policy of 2015
  • Guidelines for Schools on Learner Transportation
  • Information Pamphlet on Learner Transport

MODES OF TRANSPORT

Bicycles: suitable for learners walking less than 4 to 5km one-way distance

Mini-bus taxi: suitable for 9-18 learners walking 5km one-way distance and where road infrastructure is adequate.

Midi-bus: suitable for 20-35 learners walking more than 5km one-way distance were road infrastructure is adequate

Standard bus: suitable for 40-65 learners waling more than 5km one-way walking distance.