As schools reopen this week, the Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport (GDRT) has warned scholar transport operators that unroadworthy vehicles and those without valid permits will be impounded immediately.

MEC for Roads and Transport, Kedibone Diale-Tlabela, stressed that the safety of learners travelling to and from school is non-negotiable.

“For the next nine months, millions of children will depend on drivers to get them to school safely. Every time a child gets into a vehicle or walks near a road, their life is in someone else’s hands. We will not allow unroadworthy vehicles or unlicensed operators to transport our children,” she said.

From this week, the department will conduct intensive inspections at schools, along transport routes, and during peak travel times. Vehicles found to be unroadworthy or operating without the necessary permits will be impounded on the spot, and drivers without valid licences will face arrest.

MEC Diale-Tlabela also called on parents to play an active role in protecting their children. “Parents have power. Your money gives you a voice. Don’t pay for transport in a vehicle that doesn’t have proper seating, working seatbelts, or is visibly unsafe. Report unsafe vehicles to us,” she said.

All scholar transport vehicles must:

• Have a valid licence disc and roadworthy certificate
• Be driven by a person with a valid driving licence
• Have proper, fixed seating for every child
• Have functioning seatbelts for all passengers
• Not be overloaded beyond licensed capacity
• Be free of critical defects, including brakes, tyres, lights, and windscreen

The MEC also urged all motorists to exercise extra caution near schools and scholar transport vehicles. “Even if you don’t have children in your car, you share the road with them. That child crossing the road could be distracted or running late. The responsibility to watch out for them is yours,” she said.

Scholar transport safety remains a top priority under the Service Delivery Agreement signed between MEC Diale-Tlabela and Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi.

“Government is doing its part through enforcement. Now we need every driver, parent, and operator to do theirs. E Thoma Ka Wena, It Starts With You,” the MEC said.

Tips for parents to keep children safe on scholar transport:

• Check the vehicle has a valid licence disc and roadworthy certificate.
• Ensure every child has proper seating and a functioning seatbelt; don’t allow overloading.
• Observe driver behaviour: alert, licensed drivers who follow road rules.
• Ask questions about vehicle maintenance and safety checks.
• Report unsafe vehicles or unlicensed drivers to 0861 400 800 or 012 999 5407.
• Teach children road safety, including using pedestrian crossings and staying alert near traffic.
• Stay involved and regularly check that the transport service continues to meet safety standards.