A learner from the skills development corporation (SDC) was hit by a vehicle on Achter Road in Paulshof during afternoon traffic congestion.

Ward 93 councillor Vino Reddy said the incident happened while the student was walking towards a taxi amid heavy traffic involving learners, minibuses and motorists. Reddy said the road becomes particularly busy when learners leave school, with taxis stopping along the thoroughfare and youngsters making their way between vehicles. “Learners walk between five and six abreast across the road,” Reddy said. He said taxi drivers also contribute to the congestion by parking in a way that affects the movement of other vehicles, adding that the collision was not the first accident along the stretch.

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He said the situation required attention from the relevant authorities, the school and the department of transport to improve safety along the road. The councillor raised concerns about the interaction between pedestrians, taxis and motorists during the afternoon period and the risks created when learners cross or walk along the road.

Lindokuhle Ndlovu, a marketing officer of the school, admitted that the incident has again placed focus on safety along Achter Road, particularly during the period when learners and taxis converge on the area. He said SDC recognises the importance of learner safety and the need for a collaborative approach to addressing traffic congestion and public transport challenges in the Paulshof area. “We take these concerns seriously and have been working towards practical measures to improve the situation and minimise potential risks to learners, residents and other road users,” Ndlovu said.

As part of these efforts, SDC has identified an on-site taxi collection point, which is currently being tested to help manage afternoon collections and reduce congestion along Achter Road.

He said, through an agreement with the taxi marshal, taxis are to enter the premises via the school’s main gate daily and proceed directly to the basement for learner collections. “Learners are also being directed to use the designated passage next to the diesel tank to access the collection point safely,” Ndlovu said. “These measures form part of SDC’s ongoing efforts to improve traffic flow. Although we have not received any complaints from parents or students, we encourage safer collection arrangements and maintain constructive relationships with taxi operators, the surrounding community and business owners.”

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He said SDC is planning two quarterly awareness campaigns across the campus. “The first will focus on road safety, encouraging learners and employees to observe traffic signs and follow road safety rules both around the campus and during their daily commutes,” he said. “The second will promote cleanliness and responsible waste disposal within and around the SDC premises.”

Xolani Fihla, from the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department, was reached out to for comment about the incident, however, no response was received at the time of publication.

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