In the Enon farming community of the Eastern Cape, over 80 learners have been forced to hitchhike to school, as they have lost access to scholar transport for the current academic year. The absence of reliable transportation has severely affected their ability to attend classes on time, leading some students to drop out. The students gather at informal stops along a dusty road, waiting for rides to Moses Mabida Secondary School, located about 15km away.

Grade 10 learner Aqhama Mila shared her daily struggle, stating that she wakes up at 5 am to reach the hitchhiking spot by 6 am. The long wait for transportation often causes her to miss the first period of school and arrive late. She noted that the situation is exacerbated by bullying from peers, who taunt those from her community for their lack of access to effective transport. The plight of these students highlights broader systemic issues regarding access to education in rural areas, particularly in the Eastern Cape.

The ongoing transportation issues faced by these children not only hinder their educational pursuits but also pose a significant risk for mental health due to bullying and exposure to potential dangers while hitchhiking. This situation necessitates urgent attention from local authorities and educational bodies to implement reliable scholar transport solutions, ensuring that no child is left behind due to socio-economic challenges in accessing education.