The safety of students traveling to and from school has become a pressing issue, especially following a tragic accident in October 2024, where seven pupils lost their lives on the N2 highway in the Western Cape. In response, Gauteng’s MEC for Roads and Transport, Kedibone Diale-Tlabela, announced new measures aimed at improving the safety of scholar transport services across the province.
Key to these efforts is ensuring that all scholar transport vehicles are roadworthy and that drivers hold the necessary Professional Driver’s Permit (PDP). Diale-Tlabela stressed the importance of regular inspections and compliance checks, calling on parents to be vigilant about the condition of the vehicles used to transport their children. “Our children are the future, and their lives matter,” she emphasized.
To strengthen oversight, the MEC revealed that the province is working with private vehicle testing stations, as public testing facilities are currently limited. Additionally, the Department of Education will collaborate with school principals to collect essential data, enabling continuous monitoring of transport safety.
In her address, Diale-Tlabela also urged parents to take an active role in ensuring the safety of their children’s transport arrangements. By staying informed and engaged, parents can help reduce risks and ensure a safer commute for students across Gauteng.
