By Sipho Tshabalala
The Gauteng Education Transport Services (GETS) elected its provincial leadership, its first since 2009. The new provincial leadership was at a summit held at the Birchwood Hotel and Conference Centre in Boksburg - City of Ekurhuleni from 18 to 20 February 2022.
Learner transport is the ferrying of learners to and from school, using an appropriate vehicle, arranged and paid for by parents or guardians. The service is also a function administered by the Gauteng Department of Education (GDE). Sister Departments of Roads and Transport (DRT) and Community Safety (DCS) provide supporting roles in ensuring legislation is adhered to within the province. 
Stressing the importance of unity, Gauteng MEC for Public Transport and Roads Infrastructure Jacob Mamabolo remarked that "unity is important". He added that "we will not recognise any other structure" claiming to represent the interests of learner transport operators. He added the Department will work closely with the new leadership of GETS. 
He also congratulated the organization for having had free and fair elections, installing a new leadership, in over ten years, that is expected to take the organization to new levels and grow its membership. 
He added that the new executive should reflect and "note that you have been put in position of responsibility, leadership. This means they have the responsibility to build a new GETS".  
In his acceptance speech, the newly elected chairperson of GETS, Mr Mathews Mokhachane said "that the organization will strive to create conditions to, amongst others, contribute towards the Gauteng's GDP and sustainable development".
He also pledged to push for unity within the sector. "I am aware that I shall only be able to discharge this responsibility by working with all the members, regions and the talent that exists out there. Our organization is almost 20 years old and was founded on principles of unity and it will be important to keep that unity and cohesion amongst ourselves". He also committed to working with other structures in the transport sector. 
MEC Mamabolo committed the Department to assist and work closely with the organization. He further advised the organization to be on the lookout for opportunities and "to position itself in relation to business".