Johannesburg: Gauteng MEC for Roads and Transport Kedibone Diale-Tlabela has assured parents, guardians, and residents that learners will not be disrupted by the scholar transport protest taking place on Friday. Working closely with the Gauteng taxi industry and law enforcement agencies, the MEC has put contingency measures in place to ensure the safety and mobility of learners, parents, and operators who will not be participating in the scholar transport protest.

According to South African Government News Agency, the MEC has reiterated the importance of maintaining an undisrupted academic calendar. While she fully acknowledges and respects the constitutional right to peaceful protest, she strongly condemned the circulation of voice notes and threats that seek to intimidate and incite violence against learners and other vulnerable members of society.

“We stand firm in our fight against lawlessness, non-compliance, and unroadworthy vehicles operating on our roads. The department remains on high alert and will continue to work with law enforcement agencies and industry stakeholders to safeguard learners and ensure stability across the province,” Diale-Tlabela said.

The department has welcomed and appreciates the firm commitment demonstrated by the South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO) in Gauteng and the Gauteng National Taxi Alliance (GNTA) in prioritising the interests of residents, particularly learners.