Pretoria - Transport Minister Dipuo Peters and her Basic Education counterpart Angie Motshekga have held bilateral talks to discuss progress regarding the issue of school transport.
The two departments are leading efforts to provide safe, reliable and efficient transport services for learners.
During the meeting on Tuesday, the two ministers received a report on the progress made so far, particularly the draft policy regulating the environment.
Officials from the two departments will now refine the draft policy and prepare submissions to Cabinet to get approval to proceed with legislative processes.
Once finalised, the scholar transport policy will seek to address issues such as safety, law enforcement and accessibility of transport by learners.
Vehicles transporting learners will have to meet stringent safety criteria as outlined in the policy.
The policy will also look at an integrated approach to the transportation of learners to school - such as supporting infrastructure for pedestrians crossing bridges.
Ministers Peters and Motshekga emphasised the need to involve other social stakeholders such as the School Governing Bodies and other relevant civil society organisations.
As soon as Cabinet approves the submission, the process will be taken to Parliament.
The Ministers instructed officials from the two departments to work urgently to finalise the outstanding matters. – SAnews.gov.za
