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Pupil safety in spotlight as scholar transport scrutinised

More than 200 scholar transport vehicles inspected for roadworthiness ahead of 2025 academic year

Before the start of the 2025 academic year, the KZN Department of Transport and a team of examiners found 47 scholar transport buses to be unroadworthy.

Some 245 buses, minibuses and taxis were inspected for roadworthiness and compliance, with inspectors discovering discrepancies such as faulty steering wheels, worn-out and ridged brake drums, brakes soaked in oil, and weak shock springs.

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Transport MEC Siboniso Duma said 245 vehicles provide scholar transport to 77 369 learners who were expected to walk more than 3km to 433 schools.

“Forty-seven of these vehicles were found unfit to be on the roads and were removed from the scholar transport list,” he said, emphasising that inspections are conducted to reduce accidents,” said Duma.

“Our Road Traffic Inspectorate and other law enforcement agencies would carry out spot checks at more than 254 satellite stations to ensure roadworthiness.

“We want to sustain this visibility as we reopen schools to ensure the safety of our future leaders. Our view is that those who are transporting learners must know they are carrying the future of this province.

“Only the strongest shoulders of disciplined individuals can fulfil the hopes of the nation,” he said.

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