The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) Gauteng has noted with serious concern the protest action by residents of Primrose, where roads have been blocked with burning tyres following the suspension of scholar transport services due to non-payment of service providers.

COSATU understands the deep frustration and anger of parents and community members who are witnessing working-class children being denied their constitutional right to education. The failure to pay scholar transport operators has resulted in buses being taken off the road, leaving learners stranded at home, forced to walk long and dangerous distances, or to miss school entirely. This crisis is a direct consequence of poor planning, weak financial management and a lack of accountability within the relevant government departments.

We strongly condemn the situation where working-class families are once again made to carry the burden of government inefficiency. Many parents rely on scholar transport because they cannot afford private alternatives. When these services collapse, it is the poorest households that suffer most through lost school days, unsafe travel conditions for children, and increased financial pressure on already struggling families.

While COSATU acknowledges the desperation that leads communities to protest, we call for calm and urge residents to avoid actions that may endanger lives, destroy infrastructure or expose the community to police confrontation. Burning tyres and blocking roads pose serious safety risks to residents, motorists and workers who rely on these roads to earn a living.

COSATU calls on the Gauteng Department of Education and all relevant authorities to urgently ensure uninterrupted scholar transport services as a matter of urgency. Put systems in place to prevent a recurrence of this crisis.

The education and safety of working-class children cannot be treated as an afterthought. COSATU stands in solidarity with the residents of Primrose and all affected communities and will continue to demand accountability, proper governance and respect for the rights and dignity of the working class.

Issued by COSATU Gauteng

Provincial Secretary, Louisah Moepeng Modikwe – 082 297 2659

Provincial Chairperson, Amos Vusi Monyela – 079 493 5002