Pupils 'kicked off' scholar transport

PARENTS from Fish Hoek and other areas in Cape Town are worried.

This after a letter circulated instructing all scholar transport not to carry pupils older than 10 years.

The letter, dated 13 August and had the Cape Amalgamated Taxi Association (Cata) letterhead, stated that the changes will kick off on 1 September.

It was addressed to scholar and staff transport operators from the Masiphumelele Taxi Association, which is under Cata.

The letter reads, in parts: "Kids that are 10 years (sic) and above must board a taxi at the rank. We want that to happen from the 1st of September."

The letter said this will affect pupils from Masiphumelele, Nyanga, Fish Hoek, Mitchell's Plain, Simonstown, Wynberg and other areas under Cata.

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Kwanele Mayekiso (56), a scholar transport driver from Philippi, who transports high school pupils from Nyanga to schools around the Cape Town CBD, said he has heard about the developments.

"I saw it in our WhatsApp group and people were unhappy. We're all working for our families. It's unacceptable for these people to bully us," said Kwanele.

Parent, Ntombozuko Msiyana (39), whose two kids use scholar transport from Philippi to Maitland, said the taxi industry must not bully them.

"I do what's safe and convenient for my kids. I won't be forced to do what I don't want to," Ntombozuko said.

Cata spokesman, Nonkululeko Sityebi said they are aware of the letter and conducting an internal investigation.

"We're aware of the letter and doing everything in our power to do an internal investigation and get to the bottom of it," said Sityebi.