The Western Cape Education Department's (WCED) Learner Transport Scheme benefits almost 46,000 rural learners on a daily basis at a staggering cost of R87 million per year, but will continue to expand to include grade R learners from next year, revealed MEC Cameron Dugmore today (Tuesday 13 May) in an interpellation in the Provincial Legislature.

He said he will make further announcements in this regard in his Budget Speech next week.

MEC Dugmore said in the rural areas there are 193 contractors transporting 45,951 learners daily. The expenditure for the 2007/08 financial year amounts to R87 166 935. "Some of the problems we experience with contractors, include contractors replacing vehicles without the necessary authorization - a team has been appointed to specifically ensure that buses utilised are roadworthy.

"In some cases all the approved buses are not utilised and therefore principals have been requested to ensure that all buses are utilised as approved and not to allow overloading of vehicles," said MEC Dugmore.

He also had to field questions on the qualifications of teachers in rural schools; the number of matriculants writing the current supplementary exams and their preparedness; and arrangements for the training of school governing bodies.

See questions and answers to the MEC Dugmore.

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Enquiries:

Gert Witbooi
Media Liaison Officer
Office of the MEC for Education
Western Cape
Tel: 021 467 2523
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Fax: 021 425 5689
Email: gwitbooi@pgwc.gov.za
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