South Africa’s scholar transport services are facing a critical crisis. Minister of Transport Barbara Creecy recently stated that a lack of law enforcement is severely undermining the safety and reliability of these essential services.
Her comments followed the tragic death of 12 learners in a horrific crash involving a scholar minibus taxi and a truck on the R553 Golden Highway in Vanderbijlpark, Gauteng.
Scholar Transport Services Under Threat
Scholar transport services play a vital role in ensuring that learners, particularly in rural and township areas, reach school safely and on time. However, growing safety concerns have placed these services under intense scrutiny.
According to Creecy, the lack of law enforcement crippling scholar transport services is a national concern. Many private operators and vehicles remain non-compliant with road safety standards. These include issues such as overloading, unroadworthy vehicles, and reckless driving.
Urgent Call for Stricter Enforcement
Following the fatal incident, Creecy and Deputy Minister Mkhuleko Hlengwa instructed the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) and National Traffic Police to increase enforcement operations targeting scholar transport.
Key focus areas include:
- Regular roadworthiness checks
- Crackdown on overloading
- Speed enforcement
- Inspection of operator compliance with the National Road Traffic Act
The ministers warned that non-compliant operators will face impoundments and arrests.
Government’s Back to School Campaign
In early January, the Department of Transport launched a back to school campaign focused on scholar transport safety. The campaign aims to engage with bus and taxi associations and reinforce accountability among private transport operators.
Creecy emphasised that the Department is adopting a zero-tolerance approach to lawlessness in scholar transport. This includes unannounced inspections at schools and blitz operations across provinces.
Reviewing Policy and Strengthening Oversight
To further address the systemic issues, the Department is finalising the review of the National Learner Transport Policy. This updated policy aims to:
- Ensure reliable, safe transport access for learners
- Improve oversight of private operators
- Integrate stricter road safety education and training
However, Creecy was clear: policy reforms will not replace the need for compliance. “Unroadworthy vehicles have nothing to do with policy,” she stated. “Operators must obey the rules of the road.”
Scholar Transport Services: A Public Safety Priority
As investigations continue into the Vanderbijlpark tragedy, the RTMC has committed to releasing a preliminary report shortly. In the meantime, the Department is ramping up its efforts to protect learners across the country.
The scholar transport services crisis demands urgent and sustained action. Without proper enforcement, learners remain vulnerable every day they travel to school. Strengthening road safety enforcement is no longer optional — it is a national imperative.
FAQ: Scholar Transport in South Africa
What are scholar transport services?
They are transportation services dedicated to taking learners to and from school, especially in underserved areas.
Who regulates these services?
The Department of Transport, in collaboration with provincial and local governments.
What are the main safety concerns?
Overloading, unroadworthy vehicles, lack of driver training, and poor enforcement of traffic laws.
What is government doing to improve scholar transport?
Implementing stricter law enforcement, reviewing national policy, and conducting inspections and awareness campaigns.
How can parents ensure their child’s safety?
Use only approved transport providers and report any non-compliance to authorities.
Also Read: Unlicensed Taxi Driver Confirmed in Vaal Crash That Killed 12 Learners
