The Ministry of Public Works and Transport has dismissed reports that it has banned seven-seater vehicles from ferrying school children, saying no such decision has been taken.
The clarification follows concerns raised by school transport operators, who claim they were informed at the Traffic Department last week that permits would no longer be issued to seven-seater vehicles and that only vehicles with a capacity of 15 seats or more would be licensed.
However, Minister of Public Works and Transport Matjato Moteane yesterday refuted the claims, saying the ministry has not made any policy decision to bar seven-seaters from transporting learners.
Addressing a press conference, Moteane urged the public and transport operators to disregard unofficial information circulating on social media and 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, as the Road Transport Board has not yet made any recommendations or advised the minister on these matters,” Moteane said.
He explained that the board’s primary role is to advise the minister on transport-related issues, adding that it has not presented any recommendations regarding the use of seven-seater vehicles for learner transport.
“The board should follow official procedures and allow the minister an opportunity to consider and decide on such matters,” he stated.
Moteane said he would only make a decision after receiving formal advice from the board.
“As I have indicated, in my capacity as minister, 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 the minister’s assurances, transport operators say uncertainty remains. ‘Mamahlomola Lenyeta, a transport operator, told the Reporter that she was issued with a short-term permit valid for six months, expiring in July this year.
She said officials at the Traffic Department could not clearly explain why her permit was shortened, a move she described as impractical and unfair given the financial challenges facing many operators.
“I was informed when I went to renew my permit on Tuesday last week that the ministry would no longer be issuing permits to seven-seaters from July this year, and that 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 being told to change to 15-seaters, where are we expected to get the money?” she asked.
The Maseru Scholars Association said it had not received any formal communication from the ministry regarding a ban. Association representative Lethe Ndaba said plans were underway to seek clarity from the ministry.
“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.
Meanwhile, Basotho National Party leader, Machesetsa Mofomobe, has written to Prime Minister Ntsokoane Matekane, expressing concern over reports of an alleged ban.
Mofomobe said he was alarmed by claims that operators had been given six months to replace seven-seater vehicles, commonly known as Noahs and Alphards, with 15-seaters.
“This decision is economically reckless, socially insensitive and politically indefensible,” he said, adding that many operators invested their pensions, retirement packages and loans into learner transport.
He noted that pensioners and widows often lack access to capital required to purchase larger vehicles.
