SEDIBENG.- The Freedom Front Plus (VF Plus) in the Emfuleni Local Municipality (ELM) extended its deepest condolences to the parents, families and schools of the 12 learners who tragically lost their lives on Monday morning in a collision between a minibus taxi and a truck on the R553 near Vanderbijlpark.

The minibus was transporting children to various schools, including El-Shaddai Christian School, Oliver Lodge Primary School, Vaal Triangle Primary School, Vaal High School and Suncrest High School.

Gerda Senekal, Freedom Front Plus (FF+) Councillor in the ELM, said that this tragedy underscores the FF+’s ongoing concern about the unregulated and often unsafe transport of learners.

The party called on traffic departments to take stringent action, especially during peak times in the mornings and afternoons.

“Traffic officers should ensure that taxis transporting children are not overloaded and that vehicles are roadworthy. The Freedom Front Plus also calls on parents to be aware of who is transporting their children. Losing 12 young lives is a tragedy deeply affecting the entire Vanderbijlpark and Vaal Triangle community. The Freedom Front Plus will keep pressing for responsible management, stringent law enforcement and better regulation of school transport. Every child’s life is precious,” Senekal said.