VANDERBIJLPARK – Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane is set to visit the grieving families of 12 pupils today, following a horrific taxi crash on January 19.

The accident occurred on the R553 when a minibus taxi carrying school children collided with a truck. Eleven children died at the scene, while another passed away later. The department has spent Tuesday morning deploying psychological support services to the affected schools.

Education department spokesperson Steve Mabona clarified the death toll following earlier media reports. Mabona spoke to Ster at Vanderbijlpark Hoërskool, where, together with education officials graced the school to monitor processes.

“We have a confirmed number of 12 pupils who lost their lives. Three from Hoërskool Vanderbijlpark, one from Vaal High, one from Oakwood Primary, one from Vaal Triangle Primary, one from Oliver Lodge Primary School, one from Noordhoek, and four from El Shaddai Christian School,” he said.

While 11 children have been identified by families, one child is yet to be identified at the government mortuary. Mabone said the department hopes to provide a full update during the media briefing scheduled for 15:00 today.

Three pupils remain in hospital, with one airlifted to a private facility last night and two other students being treated in government facilities.

Regarding the driver of the taxi, Mabone confirmed he was discharged and is being questioned by the police.

The Gauteng MEC of Education is expected to start visiting affected families at 12:00.

“The purpose is to interact with the families and check the situation around them. The other thing is to discuss the release of the victims’ names and photos,” Mabona explained.

Mabona also expressed disappointment over “AI-generated graphics” circulating on social media.

“It is quite sad that content creators would do that while families are grieving. We will get permission from the families to release authentic images instead,” Mabona stated.