The Midvaal Local Municipality mayor, Peter Teixeira, led a scholar transport inspection at Meyerton High School on Tuesday (January 20).

The operation is a call to action to ensure a safer scholar transportation system following a tragic accident between a taxi and a truck in Vanderbijlpark, which resulted in the deaths of 12 school children.

The incident sent shockwaves through the Sedibeng community and prompted renewed calls for stricter monitoring of scholar transport vehicles.

“After the heartbreaking incident in Vanderbijlpark on Monday, we are at Meyerton High School to ensure all scholar transport complies with safety rules to ensure that such a tragedy never happens again.”

Teixera said the safety of learners remains a high priority. He highlighted that such operations would be consistent and would be carried out throughout the municipality.

Speaking on the incident recently, Teixeira expressed his deepest condolences to all those affected by the tragic incident.

“My heartfelt condolences go out to the parents, families, schools, and loved ones of the learners during this time of profound grief and sorrow. This is an unimaginable loss that has deeply shaken our communities. I also extend my prayers and well wishes for the speedy and full recovery of the learners who remain hospitalised.”

“I urge all road users to exercise caution, obey the rules of the road, practice patience, especially when overtaking, and remember that lives are at stake.”

“Let us all do our part to arrive safely at our destinations.”

On Wednesday morning, inspections continued in De Deur.