The Western Cape Education Department has thrown a financial lifeline to struggling scholar transport operators, tabling a retroactive relief package with top-up payments of up to five percent for the second and third terms.
The immediate cash injection prevents imminent business insolvency and secures crucial transport for students writing their final matric exams.
This follows a strike earlier last week that left thousands of learners stranded on day one of the fourth term.
However, Praveen Singh from the South African Small Bus Operators Council warns this temporary fix may not be enough, cautioning that the dispute could flare up again next year if global fuel conflicts persist.
