Scholar transport safety in the spotlight

As the new academic year begins, with thousands of children set to travel to school daily, parents are urged to ensure their safety by verifying scholar transportation.

The Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) and ChildSafe South Africa have called on parents and guardians to be the first line of defence against unroadworthy vehicles and unlicensed scholar transport operators.

It is reported that road traffic injuries remain the leading cause of injury and death for children aged 5 to 14.

“Schoolchildren in this age category constituted 5.61% of 12 172 people who died on the roads in the country in 2024,” said RTMC spokesperson Simon Zwane.

“This is an unacceptable situation, as these unfortunate fatalities could have been prevented if proper precautions had been taken.

“Parents must understand that road safety starts at home before a child gets into a vehicle that transports them.”

The organisations said that although law enforcement remains committed to strictly monitoring scholar transport, parents should conduct a basic safety walk-around of the vehicle.

“If a vehicle appears unroadworthy or does not appear right, make alternative arrangements,” said executive director of ChildSafe South Africa Zaitoon Rabaney.

“Scholar transport must never be viewed as a mere convenience, but as a critical service that requires rigorous safety standards. Collectively, we must ensure operators are not only legally compliant, but also fit for the duty of transporting children.”

RTMC and ChildSafe South Africa also remind the public that it is illegal to transport pupils in the back of bakkies or open trucks.

Driver’s licence and identity verification

• Parents should personally confirm the driver holds a valid Professional Driving Permit (PDP) – a legal requirement for public transport.
• It is essential to physically check the driver’s licence card to ensure it is current and that the identification matches the driver.
• Parents should enquire about the credentials of any substitute or backup drivers to ensure they meet the same professional standards.

Vehicle compliance

• A compliant scholar transport vehicle must display a valid operating licence issued by the Provincial Regulatory Entity.
• Parents should check the vehicle licence disc on the windscreen to confirm it is current.
• Physical checks during a walk-around are important, ensuring tyres have visible tread and are free of damage, as well as guard against overloading.

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