The MyCiti bus strike that has crippled much of Cape Town’s public transport system, along with Metrorail’s continued delays, have caused Western Cape MECs for both Education and Transport, Debbie Schäfer and Donald Grant, to appeal to public transport operators to make sure that matric students who make use of public transport get to their writing locations on time.
On Monday, MyCiti bus drivers and other employees downed tools to demand better pay and working conditions. The strike has not yet been resolved.
Thousands of commuters and matric candidates across the city as are being affected by the wildcat strike.
“I am appealing to all of our public transport partners, Santaco (South African National Taxi Council), Metrorail, Golden Arrow Bus Services and MyCiTi, to take the necessary steps to ensure that scholars travelling to and from their examinations are not disrupted in any way during this crucial time,” Grant said in a joint statement released on Tuesday.
Reports from @MyCiTiBus vehicle operators that several more routes are operating this morning. It appears that some drivers are returning to work. I hope to see the full service back up & running. #MyCiTI
— Brett Herron (@brettherron) October 17, 2018
Both MECs also expressed concerns that matric students may not get to their exam centres on time as Metrorail has also been experiencing more frequent delays, as its Cape Town railway station has been plagued by a string of train arson incidences that have left its train carriage at less than 50% operational capacity. There has also been extensive vandalism to vital railway infrastructure.
Both MECs have maintained that many matric candidates rely soley on public transport to make it to their writing venue each day. Delays in public transportation could cause matriculants to arrive late, or miss their exam completely.
“Rather be at the venue early than risk being late,” Schäfer said.
“We must work together to prevent any unnecessary disruption to our learners during this time,” Grant added.
Update: #MyCiTiAlert: Routes 101, 102, 103, 105, 114, 107, 110 and 215 have been suspended due illegal and unplanned industrial action by drivers. Updates to follow
— MYCITI bus (@MyCiTiBus) October 17, 2018
Picture: Twitter