Cape Town – Western Cape Minister of Education, David Maynier, says due to the Santaco Minibus Taxi Strike, 287 420 learners were unable to access their constitutional right to basic education on Friday.

Maynier said that the Strike also affected 9 508 teachers and staff, hindering their ability to educate children.

The impact was felt most in the metro education districts, but challenges were experienced throughout the province.

Besides the taxis not running, violence and chaos during the strike led to parents keeping their children home out of fear for their safety, even if they don’t normally use public transport.

“Schools remain open, however Saturday’s ‘Back On Track’ classes have been cancelled. This means that the 14 000 learners offered extra classes to improve their learning outcomes will not be able to attend them because of the strike.

Over 287 000 learners missed school today because of the Santaco Minibus Taxi strike, at a time when we are trying to get learning outcomes #BackOnTrack and our matrics ready for their trial exams.

Read more here: https://t.co/X0mDQtschm pic.twitter.com/OxbIz9vcF0

— David Maynier (@DavidMaynier) August 4, 2023

“We want to make it clear that if we see any acts of intimidation of learners travelling to school, or of our contracted learner transport scheme buses, we will not hesitate to approach the court for another interdict against the minibus taxi associations.

“Our matrics are currently preparing for their trial exams, and our schools are working hard to get #BackOnTrack. We simply cannot afford this kind of disruption to teaching and learning,” the report quoted Maynier as saying.

Meanwhile, according to News24, the City of Cape Town has denied declaring war on the taxi industry.

Mayoral committee member for safety and security JP Smith has threatened further impoundments of taxis.

“I have been asked by Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis to ensure that the violence caused by some in the public transport sector is met with an appropriate response, and to remind them that we will proceed with impounding 25 vehicles for every truck, bus, vehicle or facility that is burnt or vandalised,” the report quoted Smith as saying.

Thousands of commuters across the province were left stranded when Santaco, joined by eight regional associations, met in Khayelitsha on Thursday and resolved to embark on strike action over issues including the impounding of vehicles.

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Compiled by Betha Madhomu