The MEC of Transport, Safety and Liaison, Mr.Patrick Mabilo is totally outraged by the continuous problems affecting Scholar Transport in Kuruman area.

“It is clear that senior officials responsible for the administration and management of scholar transport are failing in their duties, for me this is totally unacceptable, unjustifiable and unpardonable.” MEC said

As the MEC of Transport, Safety and Liaison, I have intervened in this matter as the political head of the department; I have visited Kuruman earlier, and met all service providers, the parents and the community members.

“I put my head on the block, that all outstanding problems with regard to payment will be settled, on the basis of my commitment and undertaking.” MEC said

Service providers compromised their original position of not transporting learners, until their outstanding payments were received.

I must admit that it was difficult for me to convince them to transport learners; All the service providers and parents agreed that irrespective of the current problems of payment, their children come first.

I’ve got full sympathy and understanding with regard to the plight of the service providers.

What is clear is that the relevant department officials don’t have the interest of the children at hand.

“They don’t comprehend the gravity of their failure to perform, what further angers me is that all the children of the department of the departmental officials are not affected at all, this is the worst kind  of don’t care attitude, indifference and lack of a sense of responsibility.”

“I’m aware that in the past, I publicly stated that heads will roll and to a greater extent, I took some tough decisions to give effect to my public pledge of taking action against those responsible for this negative development.” MEC said

Once again, I want to assure the public that failure to act against the culprits is not an option, I undertake to take harsher steps against those responsible for scholar transport.

My message is loud and clear, all problems must be solved by Friday, but steps will still be taken accordingly irrespectively.

“It must be remembered that as the MEC responsible for Transport, I don’t deal with physical payment of service providers, nor deal with administration process regarding scholar transport, I’m not shifting the bark, but with the powers vested in me, I rely on senior staff of the department to ensure that service delivery take place on an on-going basis.” MEC said

The fact that up to now we are in the mess, It is a clear proof that officials are not taking their responsibilities seriously,

My demand as the MEC is that, those who fail to perform must be severely punished and those who neglect their duties must be fired.

We are aware that there is an agenda to destabilise the department in order to achieve negativity and resentment.

For further enquiries; please contact: Mr. Lebogang Majaha

Media Liaison Officer

071 8836 404