Transport sought for outlying pupils
Article: Fran Kirsten, George Herald Journalist
Pupils travelling to schools in George from Sedgefield and Wilderness were left stranded after African Express Mini Bus and Coach Hire (JBS Transport cc) terminated the bus service after the first term.
At the time Praveen Singh, owner of the bus company had said that he was forced to terminate that service due to the increased fuel costs and other financial restraints.
Now, according to one of the affected Sedgefield parents, African Express has been approached to re-instate the service.
“They (African Express) need at least 60 children, as the costs of running the bus are high,” said the parent. “The costs start at around R408 per child for July,” she added.
There are no high schools in either the Sedgefield or Wilderness areas.
When the bus service was first terminated, Paddy Attwell, director of communications of the Western Cape Education Department, had said: “For Sedgefield’s children to access the available educational opportunities a much improved school transport system is essential.” He added that the WCED and/or local government (the Knysna and George municipalities) need to attend to this matter urgently as the futures of Sedgefield’s children are at stake.
Seventeen families have shown interest in the bus service and are requesting other interested parties to contact the Masithandane Centre for further information or to register their children.
Source: George Herald