The Eastern Cape transport department is struggling to keep up with the demand for scholar transport due to limited budget, forcing 12,000 pupils to walk more than 10km to school across the province.
The department ferries 125,000 of 137,000 needy pupils desperate from transport, adding that the shortfall is caused by its limited budget of R694 million.
The children, some as young as six, have no access to scholar transport and have to brave thick bushes and strong flowing rivers just to get to school.
The Auditor-General has raised concerns about internal control deficiencies and misuse of state resources related to scholar transport, calling for the implementation of digital systems and improved oversight.
Source: African News
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