South African Student Union Calls for School Closures Amid Ongoing Transport Strike

The Congress of South African Students (COSAS) has urged the Gauteng Department of Education to temporarily shut down schools across the province as a scholar transport strike continues to leave thousands of learners unable to attend classes.

The strike stems from an ongoing dispute between learner transport operators and the provincial education department over outstanding payments, according to the Gauteng Small Bus Operators Council. Several operators affiliated with scholar transport services have halted operations, significantly disrupting learning activities.

The transport shutdown comes amid growing public concern over learner safety following a fatal crash in Vanderbijlpark that claimed the lives of 14 learners. The incident involved a scholar transport vehicle and has intensified scrutiny of transport conditions and oversight.

Authorities confirmed that a 22-year-old scholar transport driver is expected to appear in the Vanderbijlpark Magistrate’s Court, facing multiple charges including culpable homicide, as well as reckless and negligent driving.

The situation has heightened pressure on provincial officials to address both the payment dispute and broader safety concerns affecting learner transport across Gauteng.