Limpopo transport dept flags scholar transport risks
The Limpopo Department of Transport and Community Safety has listed key checks parents should make before using private scholar transport operators.
POLOKWANE – The Limpopo Department of Transport and Community Safety has urged parents, operators, learners and communities to take joint responsibility for the safety of thousands of children who rely on scholar transport daily.
In a media statement released on today (July 23), the department said scholar transport plays a “vital role” in ensuring learners access education, but also places a “significant responsibility” on drivers and all road users to prioritise the wellbeing of children.
A shared responsibility
“The safety of learners is a shared responsibility. Together, we can ensure that every child arrives safely at school and returns home safely,” the department said.
What parents should check first
With many parents turning to private operators, the department reminded guardians to check key compliance requirements before entrusting children to any service.
Parents are advised to ensure that the vehicle is roadworthy and in good mechanical condition, the driver holds a valid Professional Driving Permit (PrDP), and the vehicle has a valid operating licence showing the approved route, timetable and validity period.
No room for overloading
The department also warned against overloading, saying vehicles must transport “only the permitted number of learners”.
The call comes amid ongoing concerns about road safety and illegal operators in the province. Officials say unchecked vehicles and unlicensed drivers put learners at direct risk.
Know who to call
Members of the public have been urged to report unsafe scholar transport or traffic emergencies immediately.
The department listed the following toll-free numbers: Traffic Emergency on 0800 006 694 SAPS Emergency on 10111 and Emergency Medical Services on 112.
For further enquiries, the department directed the public to spokesperson Ms Mashudu Mabata on 072 180 4275 / 083 809 8132, or MEC Media Liaison Officer Mr Tshifhiwa Dali on 082 904 0262.
Holding operators accountable
The department said it will continue working with law enforcement, municipalities and school governing bodies to monitor scholar transport and hold non-compliant operators accountable.
