Sir
Reports that at least 82 KZN school children have been involved in bakkie and taxi accidents during the past three months – while travelling to and from school – highlight just how unsafe learner transport is in our province.
The reality is that many poorer parents have no alternative means of getting their children to school.
While the DA acknowledges that KZN’s Department of Transport (DoT) does not have the funding capacity to provide proper learner transport, there are proactive steps that can and should be taken to put an end to these tragic accidents.
The first of these is to fast-track the much talked about Learner Transport policy.
Despite numerous promises, this document is yet to see the light of the day.
Another step in the right direction is to increase the dedicated funding for safe learner transport.
The DoT then needs to ensure co-operation from all stake holders including the Department of Education, Traffic Law enforcement Authorities and School Governing Bodies.
Unless there is proper buy-in from the relevant stakeholders, the lives of our children will continue to be placed at risk.
Rafeek Shah, MPL
DA KZN Spokesperson on Transport