The Tshwane Education Transport Services (TETS) hosted a successful roadshow in Mabopane to raise awareness about learner transport safety and educate parents on the importance of using recognised and legal transportation for scholars.
The event attracted a significant turnout from various stakeholders in the transportation sector, who showcased their services to the public.
Tshwane Bulletin LIVE’s Tshepiso Makgabutlane secured an exclusive interview with members of the Local Organising Committee (LOC), including Deputy Secretary Ms Kotjie Masipa and Chairman Mr Thipe Poo.
Chairman Poo explained: “The Local Organising Committee is made up of 18 members from TETS and all-inclusive associations. TETS is affiliated with GETS, which is the mother body for learner transporters.
“Today, we are here to celebrate and to remind people that we exist. This event is an awareness campaign to show that learner transport services are recognised by the government.”
Poo further explained that the LOC was established in March to organise and streamline roadshows for TETS.
“In the past, these events were chaotic and disorganised,” he said. “We decided to form a dedicated committee to manage the roadshows. We are not funded by the government or any other entity, so we sustain ourselves. To avoid tendering or catering groups interfering, we requested a sub-committee to handle today’s event. That’s why it’s running smoothly,” added Poo.
Deputy Secretary Ms. Kotjie Masipa elaborated on the importance of formalised learner transport services, commonly known in townships as “Bo Malome and Aunty.”
“We transport children to school and have created a network of recognised scholar transporters. These transporters are monitored and registered under TETS. Every vehicle displays a TETS sign to confirm its registration,” Masipa said.
She emphasised that safety is a top priority: “There are many poorly managed learner transport services, leading to accidents and putting children at risk. Parents must avoid using unregistered or bogus transporters who claim to be licensed but are not.”
Masipa urged parents to verify the credentials of learner transporters to ensure their children’s safety. “With us, children are safe, and we take pride in maintaining high safety standards in scholar transportation,” she concluded.
