Concern over learner transport safety brought together key stakeholders at Bonwelong Primary School on February 7, as the Quality Learning and Teaching Campaign (QLTC) Circuit 3 hosted an urgent engagement meeting.

The session aimed to implement precautionary measures in response to the alarming rise in learner transport incidents across South Africa.

Read more: Midrand scholar transport to shut down amid compliance dispute

The meeting follows the tragic scholar transport crash on January 19 in Vanderbijlpark, which claimed the lives of 14 learners, intensifying calls for stricter transport regulations and immediate action. The government reinforced a zero-tolerance approach, pledging to impound unroadworthy vehicles and arrest drivers without valid licences or professional driving permits.

Speaking at the meeting, Magrieta Makhafola from the Midrand Learners Transport Association highlighted the challenges faced by transport operators. “While we strive to comply with the law, many drivers, including those in e-hailing, struggle to obtain permits on time,” she said.

Makhafola stressed the importance of building strong relationships with schools and their school governing bodies. “Parents often prefer taxis due to cost, so associations must help bridge this gap and ensure learners travel safely.”

The meeting brought together a diverse group of attendees, including Royal House of Macingwane Chief Delisa Masilela, Mudwa Khumalo from Thembisa Stakeholders, QLTC Circuit 3 chairperson Develd Monyai, District QLTC secretary Nomaswazi Mhlanga, Sam Mothapo from the City of Johannesburg Region A Sport Department, QLTC Circuit 3 treasurer Mikie Dlova, as well as Ebony Park community activist Cedric Tshirundu and resident Mthobeli Ndleleni.

Also read: SA provincial governments go zero-tolerance on unsafe learner transport

Discussion points included driver behaviour, enforcement of codes of conduct, parent engagement with transport operators, concerns about school transport costs, expedited permit acquisition for drivers, and thorough vetting of drivers and patrollers, among others.

Tshirundu emphasised community accountability. “Traffic issues and reckless driving near schools can be limited if we are united and ensure drivers are properly vetted… If someone drives recklessly, it becomes easy to report them, and volunteers, if vetted as well, on the roads can help as well.”

Mhlanga added that the responsibility lay with everyone. “We need follow-ups on how schools, as well as councillors, can raise awareness in public meetings, and how drivers can treat scholar transport like a business. Respecting the system ensures compliance. If one more child dies, it’s on us… Every learner is an asset, and we must invest in their safety.”

Attendees agreed to continue regular engagement meetings to monitor progress and maintain momentum in making scholar transport safer for all learners in the Midrand community.

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