Scholar transport inspected

Transport for 77 369 learners attending 433 schools across KZN was inspected by the Department of Transport’s MEC, Siboniso Duma, ahead of schools opening for the 2025 academic year.

On Tuesday last week, Duma inspected 150 buses and minibuses that provide transport to learners who walk more than 3km to schools.

Duma said all scholar transport was found in good condition at the inspection at the Golden Investment Business Park in Pietermaritzburg.

Duma, a South Coaster, said although they are satisfied with the state of readiness and the condition of the fleet, they mandated the Road Traffic Inspectorate (RTI) and other law enforcement agencies across the province to be on full alert and do spot checks.

“More law enforcement operations and inspections of scholar transport will be conducted by our highly efficient team from RTI at more than 26 satellite stations. During the festive season, we rolled out a successful road safety operation that ensured the enforcement of the law and the visibility of law enforcement officers. We want to sustain this visibility as we re-open schools to ensure the safety of future leaders,” said Duma.

He added that those transporting learners must know that they are carrying the future of the province.

Duma said only the strongest shoulders of disciplined individuals can carry and fulfil the hopes of the nation.

Regrettably, said Duma, many communities have been affected as a result of damage to road infrastructure, bridges, and human settlements.

The MEC said this follows prolonged heavy rainfall that started on December 31.

“Despite limited resources, we are making all efforts to turn around the situation. It is our hope that in the coming year, we will get a bigger budget to provide scholar transport to more than 157 538 learners who are on the waiting list. The budget required for this purpose is estimated at R1.6b,” said the MEC.

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