Ministry of Public Works and Transport Denies Ban on Seven-Seater School Transport Vehicles

The Ministry of Public Works and Transport has dismissed reports claiming that seven-seater vehicles will no longer be allowed to ferry school children, emphasizing that no such policy has been implemented. The clarification comes after concerns were raised by school transport operators, who reported being informed at the Traffic Department that permits for seven-seater vehicles would not be renewed and that only vehicles with 15 seats or more would be licensed.

Minister of Public Works and Transport, Matjato Moteane, refuted the claims at a press conference, stating that the ministry has not made any decision to bar seven-seaters from transporting learners. He urged the public and transport operators to disregard unofficial information circulating on social media or elsewhere until the Road Transport Board formally advises the ministry.

“The information currently circulating on social media is not official information from the Ministry of Public Works and Transport. The Road Transport Board has not made any recommendations or advised the minister on these matters,” Moteane said. He explained that the board’s role is to advise on transport-related issues and that it has not presented any guidance regarding seven-seater vehicles for learner transport.

The minister added that any decision on the matter will be made only after receiving formal advice from the board. “I will await recommendations from the board and then make a decision. For now, I request the public to remain patient until an official announcement is made through the appropriate channels,” he said.

Despite assurances from the ministry, transport operators remain concerned. Mamahlomola Lenyeta, a school transport operator, said her permit was recently shortened to six months, expiring in July. She claimed that Traffic Department officials could not explain the reason for the shortened permit, calling the move impractical and unfair given the financial challenges faced by operators.

“I was informed when I went to renew my permit that the ministry would no longer issue permits to seven-seaters from July, and only 15-seater vehicles would be licensed,” Lenyeta said. “This decision is unfair and has left us worried. Most of us invested in seven-seaters because they are affordable. If we are now told to switch to 15-seaters, where are we expected to get the money?”

The Maseru Scholars Association confirmed that it has not received any formal communication from the ministry. Association representative Lethe Ndaba said the group planned to seek clarity, adding that abrupt changes could negatively affect livelihoods. “Disturbing people’s livelihoods overnight is not the solution. Many people, especially women and pensioners, joined this business as a means of survival and empowerment,” Ndaba said.

Political leaders have also raised concerns. Basotho National Party leader, Machesetsa Mofomobe, wrote to Prime Minister Ntsokoane Matekane, describing reports of a potential ban as economically reckless and socially insensitive. He noted that many operators invested pensions, retirement packages, and loans into learner transport and emphasized that pensioners and widows often lack the capital to purchase larger vehicles.

The ministry’s clarification underscores that no formal decision has been made regarding the licensing of seven-seater vehicles. Operators and the public are advised to await official announcements before taking any action.