Palm Ridge residents and parents have taken a firm stand against unlawful, non-roadworthy and non-compliant scholar transport operating in the area, launching a community safety campaign aimed at protecting learners on their daily journeys to and from school.

The campaign follows the recent scholar transport tragedy in Vanderbijlpark, which has heightened concerns among parents across Gauteng about the safety of children using scholar transport services.

As part of the initiative, Palm Ridge parents are actively monitoring school routes, assisting learners when crossing busy roads and ensuring that vehicles transporting children meet basic safety standards.

Community members say the aim is to create a safer environment for learners both on foot and in transport.

“It takes a village to raise a child, and this is why we are concerned with our children’s safety,” they said.

Residents have urged parents to take responsibility by ensuring that their children are transported safely to school and that no vehicle used for scholar transport is overloaded.

They stressed that overcrowding remains one of the most serious risks facing learners on the road.

Concerns have also been raised about vehicles allegedly operating without proper compliance, including those that are unroadworthy or unlawfully transporting learners.

Parents say such practices endanger lives and must be addressed urgently.

Tensions were heightened after residents reported observing a SAPS vehicle, a Hyundai H1, transporting schoolchildren while allegedly overloaded.

Community members expressed frustration, saying law enforcement should lead by example when it comes to road safety and learner protection.

Campaign organisers are calling on authorities to increase inspections, enforce scholar transport regulations and work closely with communities to ensure consistent safety standards.

Parents in Palm Ridge say the campaign will continue until meaningful action is taken to safeguard learners and prevent further loss of life.

SAPS have also been contacted for a comment, wich will be published as soon as it is received.