KNYSNA NEWS - The dispute over transport for Rheenendal learners attending Knysna Secondary School is under investigation after the Western Cape Education Department (WCED) verified its authorised learner transport records.
"Discrepancies were identified between approved learner records and learners reflected on transport registers. These matters are being addressed through the normal administrative processes," said Bronagh Hammond, WCED spokesperson.
The investigation follows an incident last month when 48 learners were left stranded for two consecutive days after service provider Jansen's Travel & Tours suspended transport services for additional learners on the Rheenendal, Brackenhill and Brenton route.
As previously reported, transport services resumed on 11 August, with the WCED confirming that it was aware of the situation and was addressing the matter. Hammond said additional learner transport applications had been submitted for consideration through the prescribed approval processes.
The relevant applications have since been served before the Learner Transport Committee and continue to progress through the required approval processes.
However, the Rheenendal Unite Forum says the dispute highlights broader communication and record-reconciliation problems involving the school, department and transport provider.
In correspondence to the WCED, the forum referred to the department's Centralised Educational Management Information System (CEMIS) and route reconciliation failures affecting Routes 331 and 335, and requested an urgent meeting with all relevant stakeholders.
The forum's review of correspondence from March to August alleges inconsistencies in learner numbers recorded on the routes, including a difference between the number of learners being transported and those reflected as authorised on CEMIS.
The forum says these discrepancies point to a longer-standing administrative issue rather than an isolated incident. Anton Titus, Head of Management and Governance for the Eden and Central Karoo Education District, confirmed receipt of the forum's request and said the matter would be addressed with the relevant officials.
The forum is awaiting confirmation of the meeting. The WCED says stakeholder engagement is being co-ordinated and further information will be communicated once arrangements are finalised.
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