Following the arrest of an intoxicated scholar transport driver on July 28, who endangered 20 learners in Montgomery Park, education officials are urgently calling for safer transport measures.
According to a media statement by the Gauteng Department of Education, the overturned vehicle was allegedly transporting learners from Greenside High School, Parktown Girls’ High, and Roosevelt High School.

“Reportedly, 13 learners from Greenside High School, ranging from Grade 8 to Grade 11, Roosevelt High School had four learners involved in grades 8, 9 and 12, while Parktown Girls’ High School had three learners in Grades 8, 10, and 11,” read the statement.

Read more: UPDATE: JMPD arrests scholar transport driver for drunk driving after accident

Roosevelt High School principal Christel Venter confirmed the school has arranged professional counselling at its own cost for all affected learners and their families. “Regular check-ins have been ongoing—especially with the Grade 8 learner who required hospitalisation, to ensure they feel supported throughout their recovery, both physically and emotionally.”

Venter added that the school is fully cooperating with law enforcement and supporting the investigation.

“In addition, the school is engaging with the JMPD and relevant taxi associations to discuss how we can strengthen safety measures for learners using public transport. While this may not fall directly under the school’s formal responsibilities, the well-being of our learners remains our highest priority.”

She expressed deep concern over the driver’s recklessness. “It is heartbreaking to think of the fear and trauma caused—not only to the learners but also to their families who trust us with their children’s care every day.”

Department Response and Support Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane stated that most learners have been booked off school for the week, and one Greenside High School learner remains hospitalised and is scheduled for surgery.

Chiloane confirmed that psycho-social support has been arranged for all affected learners and families. “We are grateful that there were no fatalities, and we extend our gratitude to emergency personnel, respective school management teams and our officials who responded swiftly. We are continuing to engage with relevant authorities to determine the cause of the accident and ensure accountability. We urge all scholar transport drivers, whether public or private, to ensure that the safety and well-being of our learners remains a top priority at all times. We wish all learners a speedy recovery.”

Transport Sector Challenges and Reforms
Heinrich Block, governing liaison officer for Gauteng Education Transport Services (GETS), raised concerns about trust and accountability in the scholar transport sector. He noted that many operators hesitate to join GETS due to transparency issues and monthly fees. “The reluctance to participate stems from a trust issue, where potential members fear that their contributions may not be properly accounted for.” Block clarified the difference between scholar transport and traditional taxi services. “While taxis operate from designated pickup points, scholar transport is a door-to-door service arranged directly between the transport provider and the parents.”

To improve regulation, GETS is working with government authorities to implement the Registration Administration System (RAS), which will help operators apply for legal operating licenses. “This digitalisation initiative involves collecting vehicle and owner information to streamline the registration process. Once we’re done with the RAS system, then we’re going to ask our members to go and do RAS individually per member,” Block explained, calling it a crucial step for safety and compliance.

However, he cautioned against premature law enforcement.

“The minute we start pushing law enforcement, a lot of our members will suffer,” he said. GETS is prioritising legalisation to create a safer, regulated scholar transport environment.

Follow us on our Whatsapp channel, Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok for the latest updates and inspiration!