Editor’s Note: Tragedy could have been avoided

THE oft-used phrase, ‘an accident waiting to happen’ is most applicable with regard to the tragic death of a young schoolchild in Empangeni on Monday morning.

Our heartfelt sympathies go to all those at the centre of the resultant circle of hurt.

Regardless of the cause of this horrific accident, answers must be given as to the legality of this type of transportation.

For years, members of the public as well as ward committees have called for action against the practice of cramming children into the backs of an assortment of unprotected bakkies, taking them to and from school.

In many instances, children have even been photographed with their legs dangling over the back of the vehicle.

Warnings and pleas to authorities have gone unheeded.

In fact, one councillor was told that since the weight of the children did not exceed the allowed load mass for the bakkie, the driver was operating within the law.

The fact that lives were at stake apparently went over the head of the senior official making that statement.

Inevitably, a tragedy had to occur before action would be taken.

No doubt all the right words of condolence will be said – as they should be, given the enormous grief this will bring to the family and friends of the deceased – but will it be ‘business as usual’ as far as this commuting practice is concerned?

Questions need to be answered:

Are the drivers in possession of the required public permits to convey passengers?

Are the vehicles roadworthy?

Are they equipped with restraints such as seat belts?

Are fees being legally charged?

Are the passengers covered by insurance?

Will this practice be allowed to continue, or will the City of uMhlathuze and provincial traffic authorities now take ownership of the problem, as they should have done years ago?

Will a proper, affordable bus service be appointed so that this inherently risky practice of ‘sardine transport’ can be abolished?