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Learners from the Elliotdale District run the risk of not being able to write their last English paper for their trial exams tomorrow, September 22, since service providers from the taxi industry are planning to continue shutting down the offices of the Department of Education until they get their payment.
Learners from eight senior secondary schools in the Elliotdale District did not write their history paper because of the shutdown.
According to one of the service providers, Ntsika Tupa, they turned away school principals who went to fetch question papers at the district office, yesterday, September 20.
“We were asked by the department to transport learners from Elliotdale to Dutywa to participate in music competitions on May 9 and 10. These learners were from three senior secondary schools and the others were from primary schools around Elliotdale. We catered for them using our money from our own pockets as per the agreement we made with the department. From that time until now, we never received our money. We held so many meetings with them, but nothing happened,” said Tupa.
He said they took the decision to shut down all the governmental offices on September 20, and they will continue today, September 21, until they get their full payments.
Tupa confirmed that he had sent four invoices, but he was only paid for one invoice. This also happened to other service providers.
He confirmed that they were promised that they would get their full payments by September 26.
“We are going to shut down the offices until we receive our money. Even tomorrow no one will write in this district,” said Tupa.
Police spokesperson, Warrant Officer Majola Nkohli, confirmed that police were called to an incident where taxi drivers allegedly closed one of the buildings that is housing the Department of Education in Elliotdale, on September 20.
“It is alleged that they were demanding to be paid for the services they rendered. On police arrival, they did not find the taxi drivers, and the building was opened. Police are monitoring the situation,” said Nkohli.
Spokesperson for Education, Mali Mtima has not yet responded to the questions that were sent to him by Mthatha Express.
