The provincial investigative inquiry comes at the back of complaints relating to the provision of scholar transport services in the North West Province. These complaints are about the lack of provision of scholar transport in some communities, the unreliable provision of scholar transport in other communities, as well as concerns about the adequacy, safety and roadworthiness of scholar transport provided. The complaints point to systemic challenges with the provision of scholar transport in the province.

Whilst the Commission commenced the investigation of these complaints through correspondence with the concerned parties and the conduct of site inspections, given the systemic nature of the complaints, the Commission will also be convening an investigative inquiry as part of its investigative process.

The objectives of the investigative inquiry are to, amongst others:

• Assess the scale and extent of challenges relating to the delivery of quality scholar transport services in the North West;
• Assess the root causes of the challenges relating to the delivery of quality scholar transport services in the North West;
• Assess the efficacy of the measures currently in place to address scholar transport challenges in the North West;
• Examine the existing laws, policies, and regulations related to scholar transport in the North West and identify gaps or weaknesses;
• Examine the impact of scholar transport challenges on learners’ right to access basic education, their safety and overall well-being;
• Examine the additional measures that need to be put in place to address scholar transport challenges in the North West.

As part of the inquiry, the Commission calls for submissions on the subject matter from affected communities and beneficiaries, as well as other relevant stakeholders. The information submitted may include information on:

• The extent of scholar transport challenges in the North West Province;
• The demographics of the communities most affected by scholar transport challenges;
• The causes of scholar transport challenges;
• The impact of scholar transport challenges on the affected learners and their human rights; and
• Proposed measures for addressing scholar transport challenges.

The submissions and information requested are required by 14 February 2025 and may be delivered by hand or e-mail at the following addresses:

SAHRC’s North West Provincial Office: 25 Heystek Street, Rustenburg 0299

Or

E-mail: Emmanual Nkonde on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.; Leano Modikoe This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

In the submissions, respondents are requested to indicate their availability to provide oral testimony at the investigative inquiry scheduled for 11 to 13 March 2025 in Mahikeng, at a venue to be confirmed in due course.

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For further information or enquiries, please contact SAHRC NWPO Provincial Manager Shirley Mlombo (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.; 083 575 1893) or Emmanuel Nkonde (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.)