Scholar transport operators who flout the law will be removed from the road until they meet full compliance.

Endumeni traffic officers have intensified inspections of scholar transport vehicles to ensure learners travel in safe, roadworthy vehicles.

In a municipal statement, officials said operators must present vehicles for detailed inspections. Officers assess mechanical condition and roadworthiness, verify valid licences and registrations, and confirm that drivers hold valid driving licences and Professional Driving Permits.

Vehicles found to be unroadworthy, improperly documented or failing to meet legal requirements are removed from service immediately until compliance is achieved.

The programme, introduced at the start of the year, will continue throughout 2026. Municipal leadership reaffirmed its commitment to learner safety, echoing Mayor Mkhize’s message: “Okwabantu ebantwini.”

Provincial crackdown after fatal crash

The local drive forms part of a wider safety campaign. Across KwaZulu-Natal, more than 268 scholar transport vehicles have been taken off the road since schools reopened.

The intensified inspections follow a fatal crash near Vanderbijlpark in which 14 pupils lost their lives. Preliminary investigations indicated the vehicle was not registered for scholar transport and the driver was allegedly unlicensed.

The 22-year-old driver remains in custody and faces 14 counts of murder, along with charges of reckless and negligent driving.

Although the tragedy occurred outside the province, it has heightened scrutiny of learner transport safety nationwide.

Readers call for stricter enforcement

Courier readers voiced concern about children standing in open doors, travelling on the back of bakkies and overcrowded vehicles.

Some called for stricter testing for Professional Driving Permits, while others urged authorities to address reckless behaviour such as children hanging out of taxi windows.

Transport Minister Barbara Creecy has also been urged by residents to implement stronger measures to prevent further tragedies.

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