The Department of Transport and Community Safety is formally responding to the recent reports on the planned shutdown by the Limpopo Scholar Transport Alliance with utmost concern about the misinformation spread about the planned shutdown service in Polokwane scheduled for 02 March 2026. The misinformation indicates the planned shutdown of the service with no scholars transported, and this is not true and is only meant to cause unnecessary panic among the community and other relevant entities.
This opportunity acknowledges the efforts of progressive organizations, such as the Seshego Polokwane Scholar Transport Capricorn, for their leadership and commitment to the cause by clearly denouncing the planned shutdown. By doing so, the organization has demonstrated a remarkable commitment to the academic success of the scholars, and this cooperation ensures that education remains the key focus for the community.
The latest interactions with these responsible entities have helped achieve considerable success in the matter of regulating seven-seater vehicles. After holding positive discussions with these entities, it was decided to suspend the implementation of certain permit requirements for 60 days, starting on February 16, 2026. This decision has been made to give these entities sufficient time to formalize the permits in accordance with the agreed terms.
We welcome any group interested in discussing their grievances through legitimate channels. However, it is strongly advised against scaremongering tactics that are intended to influence parents and students, as such practices are not helpful in resolving any issues, and it is suggested that the organizers of this protest should refrain from using tactics that put the integrity of the transport system in jeopardy.
A firm commitment is offered to all parents and learners that schools will open and teaching will resume as scheduled on 02 March 2026, as robust measures are ensured that scholar transport is not interfered with. The commitment to a safe and reliable scholar transport system remains unwavering, and it is not allowed for the education of the children to be compromised by illegal interference.
