Diale-Tlabela warns scholar transport operators ahead of school reopening

As schools across Gauteng reopen next week, the provincial Department of Roads and Transport (GDRT) has issued a firm warning to scholar transport operators, saying unroadworthy vehicles and those operating without valid permits will be impounded immediately.

The Gauteng MEC for Roads and Transport, Kedibone Diale-Tlabela, said the safety of learners is non-negotiable and that government will take decisive action against operators who put children’s lives at risk.

“For the next nine months, millions of children will depend on drivers to get them to school safely. Every time a child gets into a vehicle or walks near a road, their life is in someone else’s hands. We will not allow unroadworthy vehicles or unlicensed operators to transport our children,” she said.

The warning follows concerning findings from GDRT enforcement operations conducted during the festive season.

Officials uncovered 90 minibuses operating without licence discs, 62 drivers without valid driving licences, and discontinued 22 scholar transport vehicles due to serious safety defects.

These defects included faulty brakes, worn tyres, broken lights and cracked windscreens, issues that pose a direct threat to learner safety.

“These aren't just statistics. These are vehicles that were carrying children, children whose parents kissed them goodbye in the morning, expecting to see them home safely in the afternoon,” Diale-Tlabela said.

From next week, the department said law enforcement officers will conduct intensified inspections at schools, along scholar transport routes and during peak travel times.

Vehicles found to be unroadworthy or operating without proper permits will be impounded on the spot, while drivers without valid licenses will be arrested.

The MEC also appealed directly to parents, urging them not to support unsafe transport practices.

“Parents have power. Your money gives you a voice. Don’t pay for transport in a vehicle that doesn’t have proper seats for every child, working seatbelts, or is visibly unroadworthy. Report unsafe vehicles to us. Your child’s life is worth more than saving R50 or R100 a month,"she said.