Roads across Pretoria are expected to become much busier this week as schools are set to reopen on Wednesday.

Many drivers who transport learners to and from school will return to the roads, carrying multiple children each day.

Against this backdrop, the Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport (GDRT) has issued a stern warning to all school transport operators.

The department made it clear that unroadworthy vehicles and those operating without valid permits will not be tolerated and will be impounded and arrested immediately.

Provincial MEC for Roads and Transport Kedibone Diale-Tlabela stated that the safety of learners is non-negotiable and that the government will act decisively against operators who put children’s lives at risk.

She emphasised that, for the next nine months, millions of learners will rely on transport operators to get them to school safely.

“Every time a child gets into a vehicle or walks near a road, their life is in someone else’s hands. We will not allow unroadworthy vehicles or unlicensed operators to transport our children,” she said.

The MEC explained that intensive scholar transport inspections will begin this week and will be conducted at schools, along scholar transport routes, and during peak travel times.

Diale-Tlabela urged parents to play an active role in protecting their children by refusing to pay for unsafe transport services.

She said parents should use their influence to demand safer conditions for learners.

“Parents have power, as their money gives them a voice. Don’t pay for transport in a vehicle that doesn’t have proper seating for every child, working seatbelts or is visibly unroadworthy. Report unsafe vehicles to us,” said the MEC.

According to Diale-Tlabela, all vehicles transporting school children are required to have a valid licence disc and roadworthy certificate and must be driven by someone with a valid driving licence.

“Vehicles must also not be overloaded beyond their licensed capacity and must be free of critical defects, including faulty brakes, tyres, lights or windscreens.”

Beyond operators of scholar transport, Diale-Tlabela appealed to all motorists to exercise extra caution, particularly near schools and around school transport vehicles.

“You might not have children in your car, but you share the road with them. A child crossing the road could be distracted or running late. You’re the adult in control of a ton of metal. The responsibility to watch out for them is yours.”

She added that scholar transport safety remains a key priority under the service delivery agreement signed between herself and Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi.

Diale-Tlabela said the government has committed to ensuring safe roads for every learner in the province, but stressed that enforcement alone is not enough.

“Government is doing its part through enforcement. Now we need every driver, every parent, and every operator to do theirs. It starts with you,” she said.

Members of the public are encouraged to report unsafe scholar transport vehicles by calling 0861 400 800 or 012 999-5407.

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