He said the department didn’t have the capacity to run the scholar transport programme, which is why the Eastern Cape Bus and Taxi Business Chamber (ECBTBC) and other non-ECBTBC transport operators were appointed by the department.

He added that the programme was originally run by the Education Department, who funded and managed the programme until the end of March. Discussions between the two departments only began in April following the allocation of funds for the new financial year.

“A successful scholar transport programme requires extensive planning and setting up of systems and structures for effective management and monitoring. This involves data collection and verification, identification of schools and routes and the determination of modes of transport for each route,” said Salie.

With limited time and no capacity in the department, Salie said there was no choice but appoint ECBTBC for 18 months.