The MEC for Transport and Community Safety, Ms Violet Mathye, has dismissed claims of a planned scholar transport shutdown in Limpopo, assuring parents and learners that services will run as normal on Monday.
In a statement on Sunday, Mathye said her department had noted “with concern” an alleged notice of shutdown by a group calling itself the Limpopo Scholar Transport Alliance, reportedly planned for 2 March 2026 in Polokwane.
She described claims that there would be no scholar transport on Monday as misinformation and warned against “scaremongering”.
“We are particularly concerned about the misinformation being spread by this group, claiming that there will be no scholar transport on Monday,” she said.
Engagements with various formations, including those in the Capricorn region, helped clarify the contentious issue of seven-seater vehicles used for scholar transport.
“It is out of these discussions that we agreed to suspend the issue of permits for 60 days, effective from Monday, 16 February, to allow operators to apply for such permits, subject to certain conditions,” she said.
Mathye invited the organisers of the alleged shutdown to meet with her office to discuss their concerns but cautioned against spreading messages that could create panic among parents and pupils.
The Department of Transport and Community Safety urged all stakeholders to work together to safeguard learners’ access to schools and ensure transport services run without interruption.