Sylvester Moraka, Chairperson of Tshwane Education Transport Services (TETS), has expressed his gratitude for the strong turnout of community members and stakeholders at this year’s Tshwane Learner Transport Roadshow, held in Mabopane.
The roadshow aimed to promote awareness about learner transport services and highlight the distinction between these and scholar transport systems. “We provide door-to-door transport, unlike scholar transport, which operates through tenders from the Department of Education. Scholar buses pick up learners at designated stops, but we are different,” said Moraka.
He emphasised the importance of safety: “We prioritise door-to-door service to ensure children’s safety. Parents should feel reassured knowing their children are in a safe and reliable environment.”
Plans for 2025: Monitoring and Visibility
Looking ahead, TETS plans to introduce monitoring teams for learner transport operators in Tshwane by 2025. “We want to make our services more visible and ensure people know who we are,” Moraka explained. “Monitoring doesn’t mean bullying other operators. It’s about working together to create accountability and traceability.”
Moraka raised concerns about unregistered vehicles transporting schoolchildren. “With the increase in crime, unregistered vehicles are difficult to trace in the event of an incident. We want every operator to be identifiable with emblems and stickers, so parents can recognise compliant services.”
Commitment to Safety
TETS is advocating for strict compliance among all operators, including having valid operating licences, roadworthy vehicles, and Professional Driving Permits (PDPs). “Illegal operators put children’s lives at risk,” said Moraka. “Parents must ensure the transport they use is legal and safe. To those who don’t meet these standards, we say: not in our name.”
Moraka concluded: “In 2025, we are ready to protect what is ours and ensure the learner transport industry in Tshwane operates with integrity and safety at its core. Together, we can safeguard our children’s futures.”
