Brakpan SAPS social crime prevention and communications officer Constable Audrey Buthelezi attended a meeting hosted by the Greater Brakpan Scholar Transport Association in Tsakani on June 27.

Attendees included the association’s members, who are owners and drivers of scholar transport vehicles, and parents of learners using these services.

The GBSTA’ Exco members, led by chairperson Thabo Ndlovu, including the guest speakers, were all introduced, and all attendees welcomed.

Buthelezi, when addressing the parents, highlighted crucial points for parents and guardians to take note of when choosing scholar transport services for their children.

This includes:

• Doing background checks to ascertain the authenticity of the driver’s licence, professional driving permit (PDP), and criminal record.
• Inspection of the motor vehicle. Do visual checks for tyres, faulty doors, and loose seats.
• Educate your child to wear seat belts, to remain seated while in the vehicle, and to never lean out of windows.
• Being punctual in getting your children ready so that the driver does not have to rush to get to school on time.
• Never settle for unsafe transport. Parents should never be afraid to refuse transport that does not meet the basic safety standards, even if it means finding alternative arrangements.

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To the drivers of the scholar transport vehicles, Buthelezi addressed the following:

• Verified credentials. A driver must hold a valid driver’s licence and valid PDP.
• Roadworthiness. The vehicle must have a valid licence and current roadworthy certificate.
• Zero tolerance for overloading. Carrying more passengers than a vehicle is designed for decreases braking efficiency and vehicle stability.
• Safety restraints. Drivers must ensure all learners in the vehicle are safely seated when the vehicle is in motion.
• Safe loading zones. Drivers were encouraged to pick up and drop off learners in safe, designated areas away from traffic.
• Emergency preparedness. Scholar transport vehicles should be equipped with a working fire extinguisher and a first aid kit.

Other issues raised by Buthelezi were problematic young drivers who have been reported being disrespectful to educators and refusing to abide and follow protocols of the schools.

She furthermore condemned the loud music that is often heard playing inside the vehicles when they drop off learners at schools in the morning.

“Ensuring the safety of children in scholar transport vehicles requires a collaborative approach,” she said.

“Parents and operators of scholar transport services should take responsibility and ensure that children’s safety is not compromised.”