Gauteng government reviews laws for safer scholar transport

The Gauteng government has begun reviewing legislation and regulations governing scholar transport in an effort to make the sector safer for learners, Premier Panyaza Lesufi said on Tuesday, January 20.

His remarks follow a fatal accident on Monday in which a taxi transporting schoolchildren collided with an oncoming truck. Twelve children died at the scene, while five others were injured.

“An incident of this magnitude calls for a review of some of our legislation, regulations and support systems in this sector.

The MEC responsible for transport and the MEC of education have been tasked to propose measures to prevent such tragedies in future,” Lesufi said.

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He also extended condolences to the bereaved families and wished the injured a speedy recovery. Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube, who attended the media briefing, said hundreds of thousands of learners rely on government-sanctioned scholar transport daily.

She stressed that cooperation between the Department of Basic Education and the Department of Transport is vital to regulate both formal and private transport arrangements.

Over 700 000 children in the basic education sector rely on scholar transport, Gwarube stated.

“While checks can be done on government-approved carriers, private arrangements remain unmonitored. This review is essential to ensure the safety of all learners,” Gwarube said.

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She added that driver error accounts for more than 80% of road incidents, highlighting the need for responsible driving.

Government, communities and the private sector have mobilised to support the affected families. Psycho-social support has been activated for families, schools, learners and educators.

Police confirmed that the 22-year-old taxi driver has been arrested. He was allegedly driving with an expired professional driving permit (PDP) and faces 12 counts of culpable homicide, as well as charges of reckless and negligent driving. The truck driver was unharmed, while a passenger sustained injuries and is receiving hospital treatment.

Authorities confirmed that 12 learners died at the scene and five were taken to the hospital, with one patient since discharged.