Safe transport for pupils under the spotlight

A PROMINENT Zululand politician has suggested that School Governing Bodies (SGBs) be elected as the prime entity responsible for the implementation of a safe transport system for pupils.

Following the recent tragic accident in Pietermaritzburg’s Embali Township where seven pupils died after a bakkie transporting children ploughed into a house, and later where 22 pupils were injured in another collision, National Freedom Party President Zanele KaMagwaza-Msibi has called for stricter regulations.

‘These incidents call for drastic measures to be taken and to be taken fast,’ she said.

‘We do not need to convene conferences and discuss this matter. Meetings have been called in the past and they have failed to yield any results.

‘What we need to do is expand the work of SGB’s to include, among others, the task of looking into scholar transport.

‘SGB members are responsible for the day-to-day running of schools which incorporates parents, teachers and learners and therefore are best suitable to deal with all matters, including transport.’ said KaMagwaza-Msibi.

Uthungulu Education District Director, David Chonco told the Zululand Observer the matter is being addressed by KZN Premier Senzo Mchunu.

‘At the funeral of the seven pupils, the Premier indicated that he is in the process of appointing a task team responsible for investigating the matter.

‘Once a thorough investigation of options has been conducted, solutions will be implemented at the recommendations of the task team,’ said Chonco.

Transport policy

Last August, strict regulations were outlined in a new policy which will mean any operator wanting to transport pupils will have to apply for a special license.

The National Scholar Transport Policy, which is still in its final draft stage, is aimed at regulating the transport of pupils and ensuring that vehicles contracted to schools are roadworthy and drivers adequately qualified.

@DHitzeroth